US President Donald Trump once again took aim at former aide Elon Musk on Tuesday, criticising the vast amount of government support the entrepreneur receives, following Musk’s renewed attacks on the president’s flagship spending bill.
“Elon may receive more subsidy than any person in history, by far,” Trump posted on social media.
“Without government subsidies, Elon would likely shut down his operations and return to South Africa.”
Earlier this month, Musk had a bitter public fallout with the president over the bill. As voting commenced, he renewed his fierce criticism and reiterated calls for a new political party.
Trump hit back, suggesting that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — which Musk led until stepping down in late May — should scrutinise the billionaire’s business ventures.
“No more rocket launches, satellites, or electric car production — our country would save a fortune,” said the president. “Maybe DOGE should take a hard look at this. BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!”
Trump hopes to secure his legacy with the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a measure that extends his expiring first-term tax cuts at a cost of $4.5 trillion and strengthens border security.
However, Republicans remain divided over the proposal, which would eliminate healthcare for millions of low-income Americans and add over $3 trillion to the national debt.
As lawmakers began voting on Monday, Musk — the world’s wealthiest individual — accused Republicans of endorsing “debt slavery.”
“All I’m asking is that we avoid bankrupting America,” Musk posted on Tuesday. “What’s the use of a debt ceiling if we keep raising it?”
He has pledged to launch a new political party to oppose lawmakers who campaign on fiscal responsibility but back the bill.
“Vox populi, vox Dei — 80% voted for a new party,” he declared.