WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed Elon Musk's success has been built on government subsidies. Without them, he says Musk would have to close up shop and return to South Africa.
The U.S. president has also floated the idea that DOGE, the initiative to search out and eliminate government waste, which Musk headed until recently, should take a "good, hard look," at subsidies going to Musk's companies.
The claims came on Mr Trump's own social media platform 'Truth Social' on Tuesday. Musk in recent weeks and days has voiced spirited opposition to the president's 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' which was passed by the Senate on Tuesday, with Vice President JD Vance having to cast the one vote to get the legislation up. The final vote was 51-50.
"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," Mr Trump posted on Truth Social on Tuesday.
"Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one. Elon may get more subsidy 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!!!" the president said.
MusK on Tuesday remained critical of the BBB but was componsed. "All I'm asking is that we don't bankrupt America," he said in a single-line post on his social media platform X on Tuesday.
