‘Close Shop and Return Home’: Donald Trump’s Sharp Jab at Elon Musk Amid Tax Bill Dispute

The ongoing clash between former US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk over the proposed tax and spending bill has taken a sharp turn, with Trump accusing Musk of benefiting from unprecedented government subsidies and suggesting he might “close shop and return to South Africa” without them.

Trump’s comments came shortly after Musk renewed his fierce criticism of what he calls Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” threatening to launch a new political party if the legislation passes.

Trump Targets Musk’s Subsidies

On his platform Truth Social, Trump claimed, “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.”

He continued with a pointed jab: “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 reference to DOGE pokes fun at Musk’s cost-cutting initiatives at Tesla.

The core of their feud centers on the bill’s potential elimination of the $7,500 consumer tax credit for electric vehicles (EVs), a move that Musk warns would make EVs more expensive and hurt Tesla sales. Trump echoed his longstanding opposition to the EV mandate, calling it “ridiculous” and part of his political platform.

“Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one,” Trump said, emphasizing his stance against the Biden-era policy.

Musk Labels Bill ‘Debt Slavery’

Once a close ally of Trump, Musk has recently taken a hard stance against the $4 trillion spending and tax bill, warning it could push the US towards bankruptcy. On Monday, Musk threatened to form a new “America Party” if the bill passes the Senate.

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

VP JD Vance Responds

US Vice President JD Vance also defended the bill, subtly responding to critics like Musk by highlighting the financial burden of illegal immigration.

“The thing that will bankrupt this country more than any other policy is flooding the country with illegal immigration and then giving those migrants generous benefits. The One Big Beautiful Bill fixes this problem. And therefore it must pass,” Vance tweeted.