Trump threatens Musk with DOGE over subsidies

In the United States, tensions between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk have erupted over Trump's proposed tax and budget package, known as the 'Big, Beautiful Bill.' After Musk expressed opposition to the bill, which he believes could undermine jobs in America, Trump retaliated by threatening to cut federal subsidies that help support Musk’s business ventures, such as Tesla and SpaceX. Trump asserted that Musk may be reliant on these subsidies for his operations and hinted at a potential investigation into the funding his companies receive through government contracts. This strained relationship has roots in their once-close alliance during the Trump administration, where Musk was seen as a supporter of Trump’s policies, even dubbed Trump’s 'First buddy.' However, recent disagreements on key policies, particularly Trump's budget, have led to a significant rift. Musk's criticism of the government's spending has escalated, and he suggested that lawmakers who supported the bill would face consequences in upcoming primaries. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump indicated that he might employ DOGE, the Department of Government Expenditures, to probe into Musk's financial dealings with the government. He claimed that without these subsidies, Musk's businesses could be forced to shut down. Trump's comments reflect a broader critique of Musk’s reliance on government support, which he argues is a drain on taxpayer money that could be saved if the subsidies were eliminated. Investors reacted negatively to Trump's threats, causing a decrease in Tesla's stock value. Musk, in response, has shown a defiant attitude, asserting that he does not care about losing government subsidies and urging for their complete removal. This ongoing feud has not only put their past friendship into question but also highlights the political divides surrounding fiscal responsibility and government intervention in the tech industry. Both figures have made assertions that conflict strongly, further complicating their public images as allies turned adversaries during a politically volatile time.