President Trump Threatens to Deport Elon Musk to South Africa: The Billionaire Responds with a Promise to Found a New Political Party

In the ever-shifting landscape of American politics and technology, few rivalries have captured the public’s attention as dramatically as the ongoing feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX.
Their latest clash, marked by threats, accusations, and bold promises, has thrust both figures into the center of a national debate about power, citizenship, and the future of political discourse in the United States.
As Trump hints at the possibility of deporting Musk and investigating his government subsidies, Musk responds with defiance, vowing to establish a new political party and upend the status quo.
This high-stakes conflict offers a revealing glimpse into the intersection of business, politics, and personal ambition—an intersection that could reshape the American political landscape for years to come.

The Spark: Trump’s Threats and Accusations

The latest escalation began with a blunt interview at the White House, where President Trump criticized Elon Musk for his opposition to the administration’s “Big and Beautiful” bill.
Trump accused Musk of being disgruntled over provisions that would eliminate federal support for electric vehicles, suggesting that Musk’s business empire has long depended on government subsidies.
“Without this money, he would have packed his bags for South Africa a long time ago,” Trump declared, referencing Musk’s birthplace.
The president’s remarks were echoed on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he continued to question Musk’s financial origins and implied that his success was built on taxpayer dollars.
Trump went further, openly speculating about the possibility of deporting Musk back to South Africa.
“I don’t know, we’ll have to look into it,” Trump said when pressed about the idea of deportation.
He also suggested that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—an agency Musk once led before resigning in May—might investigate Musk’s companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink, for their reliance on federal support.
“DOGE is a monster, it might have to go after Elon Musk,” Trump quipped, insinuating that Musk’s ventures are overly dependent on government largesse and that cutting these subsidies could save the nation a significant sum.

Musk’s Defiant Response

Elon Musk wasted little time in responding to Trump’s provocations.
On his social media platform X, Musk fired back with characteristic bluntness, stating, “Honestly, it’d be better to cut it all off now.”
He signaled a willingness to forgo government support entirely, positioning himself as both self-reliant and unafraid of political threats.
But Musk’s response did not stop at defending his business practices.
He escalated the conflict by reaffirming his intention to found a new political party—an idea he had previously floated to his followers on X.
Musk denounced Trump’s “Big and Beautiful” bill as “crazy and destructive,” arguing that the time had come to create a party that truly represents the interests of ordinary Americans.
He cited recent polls on X showing that more than 65% of respondents opposed Trump’s legislative agenda, framing his movement as a response to widespread public dissatisfaction.
Musk’s rhetoric was bold, direct, and designed to galvanize support among those disillusioned with both major parties.

A History of Alliance and Division

The feud between Trump and Musk is especially striking given their recent history as allies.
Musk was a major donor to Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign and served as a close technological advisor during Trump’s first term.
Their relationship began to unravel last month, following Musk’s resignation from DOGE and his vocal opposition to the “Big and Beautiful” bill.
Musk’s shift from supporter to critic was accompanied by public apologies for “going too far,” but the rupture proved irreparable.
With the Senate’s passage of Trump’s bill and its movement to the House for debate, Musk seized the moment to escalate his opposition and challenge the president directly.
The result has been a public war of words, with both men leveraging their platforms, followers, and influence in a battle for dominance.

Legal Realities: Can Musk Be Deported?

Trump’s threat to deport Musk has sparked widespread debate among legal experts and the public.
While Musk was born in South Africa, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2002.
Under American law, citizenship cannot be revoked or terminated without evidence of fraud or serious misrepresentation during the naturalization process, and even then, only through a judicial proceeding.
The idea of deporting Musk is, in practical terms, nearly impossible absent extraordinary legal findings.
Nevertheless, Trump’s rhetoric has raised questions about the use of executive power and the politicization of immigration law.
For Musk, the threat may be more symbolic than substantive, but it underscores the intensity of the conflict and the willingness of both men to push boundaries in pursuit of their goals.

The Politics of Subsidies: Dependency and Independence

At the heart of Trump’s critique is the issue of government subsidies for Musk’s companies.
Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink have all benefited from federal support in the form of grants, contracts, tax incentives, and research funding.
Critics argue that these subsidies have enabled Musk to build his empire, while supporters contend that his ventures have delivered transformative benefits to society, from clean energy to space exploration.
Musk’s assertion that he could “cut it all off” reflects a broader debate about the role of government in fostering innovation.
If Musk were to forgo subsidies, it would mark a dramatic shift in the business model of his companies and challenge assumptions about the relationship between the public and private sectors.
Trump’s emphasis on saving taxpayer money taps into populist sentiment, but it also risks undermining the technological leadership that has defined Musk’s career.

The Promise of a New Political Party

Musk’s pledge to found a new political party represents one of the most ambitious responses to Trump’s attacks.
By positioning himself as a champion of reform and innovation, Musk seeks to channel public frustration with the existing political system into a movement for change.
His calls for a party “that truly cares about the people” resonate with those who feel alienated by partisan gridlock and special interests.
Musk’s use of X to poll supporters and gauge interest in a third-party alternative reflects his mastery of digital communication and his ability to mobilize grassroots support.
If successful, Musk’s initiative could disrupt the traditional two-party system and inject new energy into American politics.
However, the challenges are formidable, from ballot access to fundraising to building a viable coalition.
Musk’s track record as an entrepreneur suggests he is undaunted by obstacles, but the political arena presents unique tests of strategy and endurance.

The Impact on American Society

The feud between Trump and Musk is more than a personal dispute—it is a reflection of deeper tensions within American society.
Both men are symbols of disruption, ambition, and the power of the individual to reshape institutions.
Their clash highlights the intersection of technology, politics, and identity, raising questions about the future of leadership and citizenship.
For many observers, the conflict is a microcosm of broader debates about the role of government, the limits of executive authority, and the meaning of national belonging.
As Musk challenges the establishment and Trump defends it, the lines between business and politics become increasingly blurred.
The outcome of their rivalry could influence not only the direction of public policy but also the nature of civic engagement in the years ahead.

Media Dynamics: Amplifying the Conflict

The media has played a crucial role in amplifying the feud between Trump and Musk.
News outlets, social platforms, and digital influencers have dissected every statement, tweet, and counterattack, fueling public interest and speculation.
Images of Trump and Musk, often juxtaposed in dramatic fashion, have become symbols of the battle for America’s future.
Coverage has ranged from serious analysis to sensationalist headlines, reflecting the complexity and volatility of the story.
For both Trump and Musk, media exposure is a double-edged sword—capable of mobilizing support but also magnifying criticism.
Their mastery of communication allows them to shape the narrative, but it also subjects them to relentless scrutiny.
In an age of information overload, the ability to command attention is both a weapon and a vulnerability.

Political Ramifications: The Road to 2024 and Beyond

The timing of the Trump-Musk feud is significant, coming as the nation prepares for the next presidential election cycle.
Trump remains a dominant force within the Republican Party, while Musk’s political ambitions are increasingly visible.
The prospect of a Musk-led third party introduces new uncertainties into the electoral landscape, potentially siphoning votes from both major parties.
Trump’s efforts to discredit Musk may be aimed at preserving his own base and preventing defections.
For Musk, the challenge is to translate technological innovation into political influence—a task that has eluded many business leaders in the past.
The outcome of their conflict could reshape the contours of American politics, with implications for policy, governance, and the balance of power.

The International Dimension: Global Implications

While the feud is rooted in American politics, its impact extends beyond national borders.
Musk’s companies operate on a global scale, from launching satellites to building electric vehicles in multiple countries.
Trump’s threats of deportation and subsidy cuts raise questions about the international competitiveness of American technology firms.
Foreign governments and investors are watching closely, assessing the stability of the U.S. business environment and the prospects for collaboration.
The conflict also touches on issues of immigration, citizenship, and the global movement of talent.
As the world becomes more interconnected, the ability of leaders to navigate international challenges will be increasingly important.
The Trump-Musk rivalry offers a window into the complexities of globalization and the interplay between national and global interests.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for American Leadership

The escalating feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk marks a watershed moment in the history of American leadership.
It is a contest of personalities, ideologies, and visions for the future—a contest that will shape the destiny of the nation and its role in the world.
Trump’s threats and Musk’s defiance embody the spirit of disruption that has defined the last decade, but they also expose the risks of unchecked ambition and polarization.
As Musk pursues the creation of a new political party and Trump defends the established order, the stakes could not be higher.
The American people are watching, debating, and choosing sides in a drama that transcends traditional boundaries.
Whether this conflict leads to lasting change or fades into the background will depend on the choices of leaders, citizens, and institutions.
One thing is certain: the Trump-Musk rivalry is a story for the ages, a testament to the power of individuals to shape history and challenge the limits of possibility.