‘Head back home to South Africa’ — Trump says Elon Musk’s business would collapse without US subsidies

Washington, D.C.: US President Donald Trump has reignited his feud with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, claiming that Musk’s businesses rely heavily on government subsidies and would not survive without them. In a strongly worded post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Tuesday (local time), Trump suggested that Musk might have to “head back home to South Africa” if federal support were cut off.

In his statement, Trump wrote:

“Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly endorsed me for President, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate. It is ridiculous, and was always a major part of my campaign. Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one.”

He went on to allege that Musk is one of the largest recipients of public subsidies in history:

“Elon may get more subsidies than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE.”

“Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!”

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114776149269773065

Trump also said he had directed the Department of Government Efficiency to examine the financial support Musk receives.

The remarks came just days after Musk harshly criticised Trump’s administration and a newly passed spending bill that significantly raises the debt ceiling. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Musk wrote:

“It is obvious with the insane spending of this bill, which increases the debt ceiling by a record FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS that we live in a one-party country – the PORKY PIG PARTY!! Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people.”

In a follow-up post, he questioned the actions of Republican lawmakers who backed the bill:

“How can you call yourself the Freedom Caucus if you vote for a DEBT SLAVERY bill with the biggest debt ceiling increase in history?”

Musk further warned:

“Polls show that this bill is political suicide for the Republican Party.”

The two high-profile figures have had a contentious relationship over the years. After previously serving on Trump’s advisory councils, Musk publicly broke ties with the former president, later calling for his impeachment and accusing Trump of being linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.