Donald Trump has dropped jaws by threatening to “take a look” at deporting Elon Musk—yes, the Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X. The surprising comment, delivered during a rally in Michigan, was sparked by Musk’s vocal criticism of Trump’s signature legislative proposal, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Trump Threatens to ‘Take a Look’ at Deporting Musk
| Key Insight | Stat / Fact |
|---|---|
| Trump could cut Musk’s subsidies over federal funding concerns | Musk-dependent companies received $21–38 billion since 2008 |
| Tesla stock slid ~5% amid the feud | Market reacted negatively to clash over the bill |
Trump’s talk of deporting Elon Musk may be legally hollow, but politically potent. It reflects a broader shift in American politics where business titans and presidents are no longer predictable allies. For Musk, the challenge now is walking the line between innovation and ideology in a climate that punishes both.
The Trump-Musk Split
Musk and Trump weren’t always on opposite sides. Musk once advised Trump on energy and innovation, and his cost-saving agency DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) was heavily inspired by Musk’s business philosophy. But the alliance fractured after Musk called Trump’s economic bill “insane” and warned it would “destroy millions of jobs.” Trump’s response? A thinly veiled threat: “We might need to take a look at Elon.”
Can Musk Really Be Deported?
Let’s be clear: it’s legally impossible to deport a naturalized U.S. citizen like Musk—who gained citizenship in 2002—without proof of fraud in the naturalization process. That bar is extremely high, and there’s no known evidence that Musk committed fraud.
Legal experts agree this is more political theater than a viable legal action. But the idea of a president targeting critics with immigration enforcement sends a chilling message.
Financial Blowback: Subsidies and Stock Drops
Trump didn’t stop at citizenship threats. He also suggested he’d revisit the federal contracts and tax incentives benefiting Musk’s businesses. Tesla alone has received billions in public support over the years. SpaceX, too, relies on federal NASA and DoD contracts.
Following Trump’s comments, Tesla stock dropped nearly 5% in early trading. Wall Street saw it as a potential signal that Musk’s cozy relationship with government funding could be on the rocks.
“This feud highlights how political rhetoric can ripple into stock valuations—especially with big-ticket government aid at stake,” a market strategist told me. I’ve watched Tesla and SpaceX closely over the years, and anytime Musk becomes a political lightning rod, volatility follows.
What Happens Next?
- Legal Limits: Courts would likely block any serious attempt to revoke Musk’s citizenship without concrete evidence of fraud.
- Congressional Oversight: Lawmakers may investigate the use of executive power in retaliating against political opponents.
- Economic Impact: Investors will be watching closely for signs that Trump intends to follow through on subsidy cuts.
