Published: July 8, 2025, 12:53 AM +07

In a stunning escalation of political tensions, President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm of controversy by hinting at the potential deportation of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The remarks, made during a press conference just 30 minutes ago, come amid a heated feud over Musk’s newly announced “America Party” and have drawn sharp criticism from political leaders, tech moguls, and the public alike. The White House now faces intense backlash as the nation grapples with the implications of this unprecedented clash between two of America’s most prominent figures.

During a late-night press briefing, a journalist pressed Trump on his ongoing feud with Musk, asking directly, “Are you going to deport Elon Musk?” Trump’s response was characteristically blunt: “We’ll take a look. If he keeps pushing this ‘America Party’ nonsense and undermining our agenda, he might need to pack his bags and head back to South Africa. Tesla’s subsidies? Gone. Let’s see how he likes that.” The remarks, reported by BBC News, sent shockwaves across social media and news outlets, with many questioning the legality and morality of targeting a U.S. citizen for deportation over political differences.

The comments stem from Musk’s recent announcement of the “America Party,” a political movement aimed at challenging the traditional Republican and Democratic establishments. Musk, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in South Africa, has positioned the party as a platform for “innovation, freedom, and American excellence,” drawing both intrigue and skepticism. Trump, however, has taken the move as a personal affront, especially after Musk publicly criticized a GOP-backed spending bill as “wasteful” and “anti-American.”

The White House’s suggestion of deporting Musk has sparked immediate outrage. Tech industry leaders, including Apple CEO Tim Cook and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, issued statements condemning the remarks as “dangerous” and “un-American.” Cook tweeted, “Elon Musk is a citizen and a visionary who has built American companies that employ thousands. Threatening deportation over political differences is an abuse of power.” Meanwhile, progressive lawmakers like Senator Bernie Sanders called the comments “a chilling attack on free speech,” while even some conservative figures expressed unease, with Senator Ted Cruz noting, “This isn’t how we handle disagreements in America.”

Public reaction on platforms like X has been equally polarized. Some users, particularly Trump loyalists, cheered the remarks, with one post stating, “Musk thinks he’s untouchable. Time to remind him who’s in charge. #MAGA.” Others decried the move as authoritarian, with a trending hashtag #StandWithElon gaining traction. One user wrote, “Threatening to deport a citizen for starting a political party? This is not democracy. This is tyranny.”

Musk’s “America Party” has been a lightning rod for controversy since its announcement last week. The billionaire, known for his provocative stances, described the party as a response to “partisan gridlock” and “government inefficiency.” In a post on X, Musk outlined the party’s goals: slashing federal spending, promoting free-market innovation, and reducing bureaucratic overreach. The move has drawn support from libertarians and tech enthusiasts but has alienated both major parties, with GOP leaders accusing Musk of “betraying” their cause and Democrats labeling the party a “vanity project for billionaires.”

Trump’s ire appears to stem from Musk’s criticism of a recent $1.7 trillion GOP spending bill, which Musk called “a bloated disaster” that would “bankrupt the country.” The bill, which included significant subsidies for electric vehicle manufacturers like Tesla, was a point of contention, with Musk arguing that such subsidies distort markets. Trump, who championed the bill, reportedly took the criticism personally, leading to the current feud.

Legal experts have been quick to point out that deporting Musk, a U.S. citizen since 2002, is constitutionally dubious. “Naturalized citizens have the same rights as native-born citizens,” said constitutional law professor Laura Bennett. “Deportation for political activity would violate the First Amendment and likely trigger a Supreme Court challenge.” Others have noted that Trump’s comments may be more symbolic than actionable, intended to intimidate Musk and rally his base.

The threat to cut Tesla’s subsidies, however, is within the realm of possibility. The federal government provides billions in tax credits and incentives for electric vehicle production, which have significantly benefited Tesla. Analysts estimate that losing these subsidies could cost Tesla upwards of $2 billion annually, potentially forcing the company to scale back operations or relocate. Musk, however, appeared unfazed, responding on X: “Cut everything. Tesla will thrive, and so will America. The ‘America Party’ is here to stay.”

The Trump-Musk feud underscores deeper tensions in American politics. Musk’s wealth, influence, and willingness to challenge the status quo have made him a polarizing figure, while Trump’s return to the White House has reignited debates over executive power and political retribution. The clash also highlights the growing role of billionaires in shaping public policy, with figures like Musk wielding unprecedented influence through platforms like X and their economic clout.

Some observers see the conflict as a battle of egos. “Both Trump and Musk thrive on attention and control,” said political analyst David Klein. “This isn’t just about policy—it’s about who gets to define America’s future.” Others view it as a symptom of a fractured political landscape, where traditional alliances are crumbling, and new players are vying for dominance.

As the White House faces mounting criticism, all eyes are on Trump’s next move. Will he double down on his deportation rhetoric, or will he backtrack in the face of backlash? For Musk, the stakes are equally high. The “America Party” has yet to formalize its platform or announce candidates, but its early momentum suggests it could disrupt the 2026 midterms and beyond.

For now, the nation watches as two titans clash, with the future of American politics hanging in the balance. As one X user put it, “This isn’t just a feud—it’s a showdown that could change everything.”

BBC News will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as events unfold.