In a fiery twist to one of the year’s most-watched political bromances, Donald Trump delivered a shocking warning outside the White House on July 1, 2025. Referring to the Department of Government Efficiency—the very agency he created with Elon Musk as its informal czar—Trump said, “DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon.”
DOGE Is the Monster That Might Go Back and Eat Elon
| Takeaway | Stat |
|---|---|
| Tesla stock drop | ∼5% decline after Trump’s comments |
| DOGE savings claim | Billions in federal spending cut |
| Musk U.S. citizenship | Since 2002, complicating deportation threats |
Trump’s “monster” comment wasn’t just a jab—it was a signal. The political honeymoon is over, and the gloves are off. Whether DOGE becomes a weapon or a watchdog, one thing is certain: this saga is just getting started.
What Sparked the Feud?
Musk’s public criticism of Trump’s sprawling new tax-and-spend legislation—the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill”—appears to have been the last straw. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO lambasted the bill as “fiscally deranged” and vowed to support GOP primary challengers against Republicans who voted for it.
Trump, not one to take a slight lightly, fired back by suggesting DOGE might investigate Musk’s federal subsidies and even teased the idea of deporting him. Never mind that Musk became a U.S. citizen over two decades ago.
What Is DOGE, Really?
The Department of Government Efficiency—DOGE, for short—was one of Trump 47’s splashiest executive creations. Its mission: cut red tape, slash government bloat, and ensure taxpayer dollars aren’t wasted. Musk unofficially led it until stepping back this May.
Supporters tout DOGE’s cost-cutting achievements, claiming billions in savings. Critics argue it bypasses congressional oversight and may be used to punish political foes—as Trump’s latest comments seem to suggest.
Economic & Political Fallout
Musk’s empire, with its deep federal ties, may now face heightened scrutiny:
- Tesla depends on EV subsidies and tax credits.
- SpaceX holds billion-dollar NASA and defense contracts.
- xAI, Musk’s AI venture, is reportedly eyeing Pentagon work.
After Trump’s remarks, Tesla shares slipped roughly 5%, and analysts began gaming out worst-case scenarios for Musk’s firms if DOGE turns adversarial.
Legal Lines and Red Lines
Despite the showman-like rhetoric, there are legal constraints. Deportation is legally unfeasible—Musk is a naturalized citizen. However, canceling or investigating federal contracts? That’s within DOGE’s reach, albeit potentially litigious.
Legal experts say any such moves would face immediate court challenges. Musk, with his deep pockets and formidable legal team, is unlikely to go quietly.
The Road Ahead
From here, expect three major developments:
- Federal audits: DOGE could be directed to comb through contracts involving Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI.
- Political trench warfare: Musk may ramp up campaign donations and endorsements to challenge Trump-friendly incumbents.
- Public spectacle: With two media-savvy egos at odds, this feud is likely to fuel headlines through November.
