In a stunning escalation of their ongoing feud, President Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of deporting billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk to his birth country, South Africa. The offhand remark, made during a press briefing at the White House, has sent shockwaves through political, business, and legal circles, drawing fierce criticism and concern over the use of presidential power to target dissenters.
The tension began after Musk publicly criticized Trump’s sweeping fiscal legislation, calling it “financially reckless” and vowing to back a new political movement aimed at curbing government overreach. Musk, who became a U.S. citizen in 2002, also hinted at the formation of a third political party dubbed the “America Party”, challenging the traditional two-party stronghold—further enraging Trump allies.
Reacting to the criticism, President Trump did not hold back.
“Elon Musk? Maybe he should go back to South Africa. We’ll take a look at it. I’m not saying anything yet—but we’re watching him closely,” Trump said, smirking before turning to aides and adding, “Maybe we’ll put DOGE on him.”
The mention of DOGE—short for the Department of Government Efficiency, a federal agency Musk previously chaired—was interpreted as a not-so-subtle threat that federal investigations or audits could be launched into Musk’s companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink.
Legal Experts Push Back
The suggestion of deporting a naturalized U.S. citizen without due process was immediately slammed by constitutional scholars and legal experts.
“This is legally impossible unless Mr. Musk commits a serious crime that warrants denaturalization,” said constitutional law professor David Klein. “But politically, the threat is chilling—it sends a message that criticism of the president could come at a cost.”
Musk responded on X (formerly Twitter) with a measured but pointed post:
“So tempting to escalate, but I’ll pass… for now.”
The post sparked thousands of reactions, with many expressing outrage over what they viewed as authoritarian rhetoric from the President of the United States.
Fallout in Business and Politics
Markets reacted swiftly. Tesla shares dipped nearly 5% following Trump’s remarks, and several analysts raised concerns about the future of Musk-led companies that rely on federal contracts, particularly in aerospace and communications.
Political observers say this marks a new low in the Trump–Musk relationship, once characterized by mutual admiration. Musk’s increasing political independence and his vocal opposition to Trump’s fiscal and regulatory policies appear to have drawn the president’s ire.
Some Republicans have rushed to Trump’s defense, calling Musk “ungrateful” and accusing him of trying to undermine GOP unity. Others, however, have distanced themselves, warning against the dangers of targeting business leaders for political dissent.
A Dangerous Precedent?
This is not the first time Trump has clashed with high-profile figures, but the suggestion of using deportation as a tool against a political opponent has stirred particular concern.
Human rights advocates and civil liberty groups have condemned the statement, warning that weaponizing immigration rhetoric—even against naturalized citizens—sets a dangerous precedent.
“No president, regardless of party, should ever joke about deporting a citizen for criticism. It’s undemocratic and unconstitutional,” said ACLU spokesperson Amanda Reyes.
What’s Next?
With neither side backing down, the feud between Trump and Musk is expected to intensify in the coming weeks. As the 2026 midterm elections approach and political realignments continue, observers say this clash could shape the future of both the GOP and the broader American political landscape.
One thing is certain: the battle between America’s most powerful politician and one of its most influential entrepreneurs is far from over.
