In a week where headlines have been nothing short of surreal, former President Donald Trump stirred fresh controversy with a bizarre new threat: “We might have to deport Elon Musk… and even turn DOGE against him.” Let’s break down what he meant, what DOGE actually is, and why this public feud between two titans—Trump and Musk—matters more than you think.
Trump Threatens to ‘Deport’ Elon Musk
| Takeaway | Stat/Fact |
|---|---|
| Musk is a naturalized U.S. citizen | Became a citizen in 2002 |
| DOGE is not law enforcement | It’s a federal bureaucracy created by Trump |
| Tesla stock dropped after Trump’s threat | Down 5.5% in a single day |
From where I sit—as someone who’s covered both men for years—this is bigger than just political theater. Trump sees threats as opportunities. Musk sees drama as a microphone. Neither man is known for backing down.
This may not end with deportation papers or subsidy cuts—but it will almost certainly shape the 2026 midterms, tech funding policies, and who holds real power in modern America.
What Trump Actually Said
At a July 1 campaign rally in Ohio, Trump unleashed this eyebrow-raiser: “We might have to put DOGE on Elon… DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. We’ll have to take a look [at deporting him].” Trump was riffing off Musk’s recent political criticism, and his cryptic remark about “putting DOGE on Elon” sent social media—and markets—into a tailspin.
What Is DOGE, Anyway?
No, not the meme coin. In this context, DOGE stands for Department of Government Efficiency—a bureaucratic overhaul body Trump created during his second term.
Elon Musk helped design it and ran it until late May 2025. DOGE’s mission was to streamline government operations, cut waste, and scrutinize federal subsidies. In essence, it’s a powerful administrative tool—but not a deportation agency.
Why the Sudden Turn Against Musk?
The rift began when Musk publicly blasted the Republican-backed “Big Beautiful Bill,” calling it a reckless spending spree. That alone would have stung Trump, but Musk doubled down by floating the idea of a new political party and funding primary challenges to GOP incumbents who supported the bill.
That’s when Trump snapped back. At first, it was indirect: questioning whether Musk’s promises were “BS,” according to People. Then came the DOGE threat.
Musk’s Response: Cold, But Loaded
The restraint was telling—but so was the hint. It suggested he’s got options, including financial muscle and the loyalty of millions. Musk’s companies—Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink—collectively benefit from tens of billions in government contracts and subsidies. Cutting those could seriously hamper their growth, if not threaten their survival.
Can Trump Actually Deport Musk?
Musk became a U.S. citizen in 2002. Deportation of a naturalized citizen requires proven criminal activity, fraud during the naturalization process, or acts of treason. None of that applies here.
The Power Play: Subsidies and Audits
While deportation is off the table, the real risk comes from economic retaliation. Trump could pressure agencies to audit Musk’s companies, reduce grants, or slow regulatory approvals. In his own words: “Without our help, Musk’s companies would probably… close up shop.”
That’s hyperbole—but not without teeth. Tesla’s U.S. tax credits alone saved it nearly $2 billion over the past decade, and SpaceX heavily relies on NASA and Pentagon contracts.
Why This Feud Matters
This isn’t just a petty Twitter spat. It’s a full-on power showdown between two of the most influential men in America. On one side: a former president who controls a huge political machine and loves loyalty.
On the other: a billionaire innovator with control over communication satellites, electric vehicles, and AI labs—not to mention 200 million Twitter/X followers. Their fallout reshapes GOP dynamics, tech industry expectations, and even financial markets.
