Could Trump Really Deport Elon Musk Over a Political Spat?

(The Post News)- U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his feud with Elon Musk, suggesting the billionaire businessman could face deportation and lose billions in government contracts over his recent criticisms of Trump’s economic agenda.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Tuesday, Trump didn’t rule out the idea when asked whether Musk, who was born in South Africa, could be deported. “I don’t know. We’ll have to take a look,” Trump said. He also hinted at possible action from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), saying: “DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon.”

The comments come after Musk slammed Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”, a massive federal spending package, calling it fiscally reckless and a betrayal of the Republican Party’s promises to cut government debt. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO also blasted the bill for dropping incentives for electric vehicles while keeping subsidies for fossil fuels.

Posting to his platform X on Monday, Musk called the bill a “five trillion dollar debt bomb” and suggested it proves America is run by what he called the “Porky Pig Party.” He also called on disillusioned voters to back a new political movement, writing: “Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people.”

Trump hit back on his Truth Social account, claiming Musk’s businesses are heavily reliant on taxpayer funding. “Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history,” Trump posted. “Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
While Trump stopped short of making a formal move, the threat isn’t entirely symbolic. DOGE, the government oversight agency Musk once headed before stepping down in May, could be tasked with reviewing the contracts Tesla and SpaceX hold with the federal government. Trump said: “We might have to put DOGE on Elon. Big money to be saved.”

Musk became a U.S. citizen in 2002. Under American immigration law, a naturalised citizen cannot be deported unless it’s proven they gained citizenship through fraud — a high legal bar. Allegations about Musk’s visa status in the 1990s have circulated in the past, but no official findings have supported those claims. Musk has insisted his immigration process was legal.