Musk and Trump Clash Over Budget Bill Amid Threats of Political Retaliation
Published 1 July 2025
Highlights
- Elon Musk has publicly opposed President Donald Trump's budget bill, which could increase the national deficit by $3.3 trillion.
- Musk has threatened to unseat lawmakers who support the bill and suggested forming a new political party, the "America Party."
- Trump has hinted at using the Doge agency to scrutinize Musk's companies and potentially cut government subsidies.
- The feud between Musk and Trump has intensified, with Trump suggesting possible deportation of Musk.
- The budget bill includes increased spending on border security and defense, offset by cuts to healthcare and food-support programs.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Musk and Trump Clash Over Budget Bill Amid Threats of Political Retaliation
The ongoing feud between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has escalated as the tech billionaire openly criticizes Trump's proposed budget bill, which could significantly increase the national deficit. Musk, who once supported Trump, has vowed to unseat lawmakers backing the bill and has even floated the idea of forming a new political party, the "America Party," if the legislation passes.
Musk's Opposition to the Budget Bill
Musk's criticism centers on the bill's potential to add $3.3 trillion to the national debt, undermining his previous efforts to cut government spending through the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has expressed disdain for the bill's provisions, which include slashing subsidies for electric vehicles, a move he argues favors outdated industries over future technologies.
Trump's Response and Threats
In response, Trump has suggested that the Doge agency, which Musk once led, could be used to scrutinize Musk's companies, potentially cutting government subsidies they receive. Trump has also hinted at the possibility of deporting Musk, a South Africa-born billionaire, further intensifying their public spat. "Doge is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon," Trump remarked, emphasizing the potential financial impact on Musk's ventures.
Political Implications and Future Moves
As Congress debates the budget bill, Musk's influence within the Republican Party is being tested. He has pledged to target lawmakers who support the bill in upcoming elections, accusing them of betraying their campaign promises to reduce government spending. Musk's social media platform, X, has become a battleground for his political campaign, where he has called for a new party that prioritizes the people's interests over partisan agendas.
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Scenario Analysis
The escalating feud between Musk and Trump could have significant political implications. If Musk follows through with his threat to form the "America Party," it could disrupt the traditional two-party system and attract voters disillusioned with current political dynamics. Additionally, the potential withdrawal of government subsidies from Musk's companies could impact the electric vehicle market and broader tech industry. As the budget bill progresses through Congress, the outcome will likely influence the future of US fiscal policy and the political landscape.
The ongoing feud between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has escalated as the tech billionaire openly criticizes Trump's proposed budget bill, which could significantly increase the national deficit. Musk, who once supported Trump, has vowed to unseat lawmakers backing the bill and has even floated the idea of forming a new political party, the "America Party," if the legislation passes.
Musk's Opposition to the Budget Bill
Musk's criticism centers on the bill's potential to add $3.3 trillion to the national debt, undermining his previous efforts to cut government spending through the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has expressed disdain for the bill's provisions, which include slashing subsidies for electric vehicles, a move he argues favors outdated industries over future technologies.
Trump's Response and Threats
In response, Trump has suggested that the Doge agency, which Musk once led, could be used to scrutinize Musk's companies, potentially cutting government subsidies they receive. Trump has also hinted at the possibility of deporting Musk, a South Africa-born billionaire, further intensifying their public spat. "Doge is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon," Trump remarked, emphasizing the potential financial impact on Musk's ventures.
Political Implications and Future Moves
As Congress debates the budget bill, Musk's influence within the Republican Party is being tested. He has pledged to target lawmakers who support the bill in upcoming elections, accusing them of betraying their campaign promises to reduce government spending. Musk's social media platform, X, has become a battleground for his political campaign, where he has called for a new party that prioritizes the people's interests over partisan agendas.
What this might mean
The escalating feud between Musk and Trump could have significant political implications. If Musk follows through with his threat to form the "America Party," it could disrupt the traditional two-party system and attract voters disillusioned with current political dynamics. Additionally, the potential withdrawal of government subsidies from Musk's companies could impact the electric vehicle market and broader tech industry. As the budget bill progresses through Congress, the outcome will likely influence the future of US fiscal policy and the political landscape.
