In an unexpected statement earlier today, President Donald Trump addressed the escalating tension between him and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, saying he would ‘take a look’ at the possibility of deporting Musk. The comments came as Trump prepared to leave Washington for Florida. This follows Musk’s vocal opposition to Trump’s proposed ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ which is currently under Congressional debate. 
The bill’s plan to eliminate subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs) has sparked a public feud between the two former allies.
Musk, a first-generation immigrant to the United States, has been at the center of controversy regarding his immigration status. Under President Biden’s administration, there were discussions about revoking Musk’s citizenship, especially after reports suggested he worked in the U.S. while on a student visa. However, student visa holders are allowed to work in the country under strict university oversight, provided their employment is linked to their studies.
The latest remarks from Trump come after Musk’s criticism of the proposed legislation, which Trump has defended as beneficial for the U.S. economy. Trump believes Musk’s opposition stems from his concern over the loss of EV incentives, a point Musk denies. The President humorously remarked, ‘Maybe we’ll have to put DOGE on Elon,’ referencing Musk’s own initiative aimed at reducing U.S. government spending. ‘Not everyone wants an electric car!’ Trump added. Musk, who has amassed a fortune of $406 billion, mostly from his stake in Tesla, is no stranger to controversy, and his comments have continued to stoke the flames of this feud.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s stock has been feeling the effects of Musk’s public battles. Shares dropped by 6.9% at market open today, after premarket data indicated a slowdown in vehicle sales, particularly in Europe. This has added to the concerns surrounding Musk’s focus on political matters rather than business, raising questions about the future of his companies.
The ongoing conflict between Trump and Musk highlights the broader issues surrounding government intervention in the private sector, particularly in terms of the EV market and subsidies. With both figures holding significant influence, their disagreements are far from over.