Trump Responds to Calls to Deport Elon Musk, Says He'd 'Have to Take a Look'
Former US President Donald Trump has responded to the possibility of deporting billionaire Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, stating that he doesn't know and would have to take a look. This exchange was sparked by Musk's criticism of Trump's "America First" agenda and the tax reform bill, which Musk has termed a "crazy spending bill". Trump has accused Musk of profiting heavily from government subsidies, particularly for his electric vehicle ventures, and has suggested that without these subsidies, Musk's companies would likely go bankrupt.
1 July 2025
Musk, who was born in South Africa but has been a US citizen for over 20 years, has been a vocal critic of Trump's policies, particularly with regards to the environment and renewable energy. The two have had a tumultuous relationship, with Trump previously attacking Musk on social media over his criticism of the "America First" agenda. The possibility of deporting Musk has been raised by some of Trump's supporters, who have questioned the billionaire's loyalty to the US given his foreign birth. However, it is unclear whether Trump's comments were meant as a serious threat or simply a rhetorical device to attack Musk.
Trump's response suggests that he is not interested in getting drawn into a public spat with Musk, at least for the time being. This approach is consistent with Trump's history of selectively choosing which public figures to engage with and when, often using his platform to amplify his own message rather than responding to criticism or provocations from others. The feud between Trump and Musk may soon involve the Government Efficiency Department, with Trump suggesting that the department should investigate the government subsidies received by Musk's companies.
Behind Trump's seemingly casual comment lies a complex web of motivations and implications. By suggesting that the government might "watch" Elon Musk, Trump is likely attempting to deflect attention from his own administration's handling of the tech mogul's companies, which have received significant subsidies and support. Moreover, Trump's mention of the government as a potential force that might scrutinize Musk is a clever rhetorical device, positioning himself as a champion of free enterprise and small government.
Some analysts believe that Trump's words may be a veiled warning to Musk, who has been an outspoken critic of the administration's environmental policies, including the proposed rollback of electric vehicle mandates. By implying that Musk's companies might be subject to increased scrutiny, Trump may be sending a message that dissent will not be tolerated. Furthermore, Trump's comments on Musk reveal a deeper struggle for influence and power between the president, the tech industry, and the environmental lobby.
The situation has escalated to the point where Trump has called Musk "crazy" and Musk has accused Trump of being "ungrateful." The involvement of the Government Efficiency Department could potentially add another layer of complexity to the already heated dispute between the two men. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the conflict between Trump and Musk will play out and what implications it may have for the US political landscape. The latest exchange has sparked a heated debate over the role of government subsidies in supporting renewable energy and the future of the US auto industry.
