President Trump suggested that the government’s Department of Efficiency (DOGE), which was once led by Elon Musk, should closely examine how much it has gained from high-tech billionaires and environmental tax incentives.
On Tuesday morning, Trump issued a cautionary statement. This came after some of his longtime allies criticized sizable tax and spending proposals on social media. He has already rolled back many renewable energy tax credits as he approaches a Senate vote.
Trump stated, “Elon Musk knew I was always against the EV mandate long before he became a strong supporter of my presidency.” He elaborated in a post shortly after midnight on Tuesday, “Electric vehicles are fine, but no one should be mandated to use them.”
He added that Musk might be receiving more government subsidies than anyone ever, suggesting that without those, Musk’s ventures could struggle. “Without those subsidies, he might have to close his operations and return to South Africa. There won’t be anymore rocket launches, satellites, or electric cars. Our country saves a lot of money this way,” he remarked.
Trump concluded that perhaps DOGE should look into this further to understand how much money could potentially be saved.
Musk responded swiftly on his platform, X, saying simply, “I’m literally saying I’m cutting it all out. Now.”
The previously close relationship between Tesla’s CEO and Trump has taken a sharp turn, especially in light of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” Musk has labeled the bill as “absolutely unconventional” and warned that supporting it could be “political suicide” for Republicans.
This week, Musk intensified his critique of the bill and its Republican backers, pointing out that Trump’s proposed legislation is encountering difficulties in Congress. He has also suggested primary challenges for Republicans who endorse the bill, reiterating his call for new political movements.
Musk expressed his concerns regarding the proposed spending, stating that it would significantly increase the national debt to an unprecedented $5 trillion while labeling their political party as a “Porky pig party!!” He advocated for a new political party that genuinely cares about the people.
According to the Nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the Senate bill is projected to raise the deficit by nearly $3.3 trillion between 2025 and 2034, which is about $1 trillion more than the version passed by the House.
