Elon Musk, one of the most powerful figures in tech and business, is now facing a fierce political showdown with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The rift between the two, which began in June 2025, has escalated into a full-blown public battle, with Trump even hinting at the possibility of deporting the Tesla and SpaceX mogul.
Musk and Trump had previously enjoyed a close working relationship, with Musk even being appointed the de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump. Their collaboration was widely publicized, and Musk’s companies benefited from substantial government support, including electric vehicle subsidies for Tesla and contracts with NASA for SpaceX. However, that relationship has soured dramatically over the past few months.
The Breakup: Musk vs. Trump
The tensions erupted in June 2025 when Musk and Trump clashed on social media, exchanging sharp accusations and ending what had once been a strong partnership. Since the fallout, Musk has gone on the offensive, vowing to support political campaigns aimed at ousting Republican lawmakers and even considering launching his own political party to challenge the existing political structure.
Not to be outdone, Trump has retaliated by threatening to withdraw government support for Musk’s companies, including cutting subsidies for Tesla and severing ties with NASA, which relies heavily on SpaceX. The situation took an even more dramatic turn when Trump, in a conversation with Fox News, joked about the possibility of deporting Musk.
Trump’s Deportation Threat
When asked whether deportation was a real consideration, Trump responded with a teasing yet serious tone: “We’ll have to take a look.” He added with humor, “We might have to put DOGE on Elon. You know what DOGE is? The monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldn’t that be terrible? He gets a lot of subsidies.”
This reference to “DOGE” seems to signal a broader crackdown on the government subsidies Musk’s companies receive, and it hinted at Trump’s earlier threats to end all government contracts with Tesla and SpaceX. A former White House official even alluded to the possibility of seizing Musk’s companies, a move that would send shockwaves through both the tech and automotive industries.
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Musk’s Defiant Response
Unsurprisingly, Musk didn’t stay quiet in response to the threat. On the social media platform X, he posted a cryptic message: “So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.” However, just days later, Musk surprised many by publicly praising Trump in a tweet: “Credit where credit is due. @realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world.”
Musk’s reversal has raised eyebrows, leading some to speculate that he might be recalibrating his approach. The public praise for Trump comes amid mounting tensions, suggesting that Musk may be trying to mend fences while still asserting his position.
Legal Challenges and Deportation Uncertainty
Deporting Musk is no simple matter. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2002 after arriving in the country on a student visa. Immigration experts suggest that this citizenship status provides significant protection from routine deportation. However, there is a theoretical route through which the government could attempt to challenge Musk’s citizenship—by alleging fraud or dishonesty in his application. Such a move would be a complex and unprecedented legal battle, particularly for someone of Musk’s stature.
There is no evidence to suggest that Musk committed any wrongdoing in his citizenship process. Nevertheless, if such a challenge were successful, it could open the door for Musk’s deportation to his birthplace, South Africa, or even to Canada or Russia.
The Stakes Are High
Though the chances of Musk facing deportation are slim, the Trump administration seems ready to push the limits if it means taking a stand against one of its most vocal critics. The implications for Musk’s companies, U.S. politics, and the broader business world could be enormous if this political standoff continues to escalate.
For now, Musk has chosen to hold back, but the next move in this high-stakes battle could come at any moment. This political saga is far from over, and its outcome could significantly impact Musk, his businesses, and the political landscape of the United States.
