When asked by reporters at the White House on 1/7 if he was considering expelling billionaire Elon Musk, US President Donald Trump said, "I don't know yet, we'll have to look into this".
Trump also said the Government Performance Board (DOGE) might scrutinize subsidies given to Musk's companies.
"Do you know what DOGE is? It's a monster that could turn around and swallow Elon," Trump said. "Musk is riding on electric vehicle incentives. He's upset about a lot of things, but he could lose much more."
President Trump escalated his threats amid tensions with Musk, a former close White House advisor who once led DOGE. Trump believes Musk is criticizing the public spending and tax cut bill called the "Our Beautiful Big Bill Act" (OBBBA) because the billionaire believes it eliminates support for electric vehicles.
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US President Donald Trump during a press conference at the White House on 27/6. Photo: AP |
US President Donald Trump during a press conference at the White House on 27/6. Photo: AP
Earlier, President Trump posted on Truth Social that "without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close shop and return to South Africa", adding that DOGE should review these subsidies.
Musk's main argument is that OBBBA contradicts the Trump administration and the Republican Party's commitment to reducing government spending. He worries the bill will cause US national debt to increase dramatically. Musk has also repeatedly warned that any lawmaker who approves OBBBA will not be re-elected.
The billionaire also believes that the Republican Party is abandoning efforts to lead the US in the electric vehicle and clean energy revolution. On 30/6, Musk announced on X his intention to form "The Party of America" if OBBBA is passed.
According to a February report by the Washington Post, Musk and his companies have received at least USD 38 billion from the US government over the years through contracts, loans, subsidies, and tax breaks, contributing significantly to his rise as the world's richest person.
Reuters reported that Musk's rocket company, SpaceX, holds federal contracts worth about USD 22 billion. One notable project is the Starship spacecraft, chosen by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as the primary vehicle for future missions to return astronauts to the moon and explore Mars.
Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)
