Trump Slams Elon Musk as ‘Biggest Subsidy Taker in History’

Date: July 1, 2025 | NewsMakers Web Desk

U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a fresh and fierce attack on Elon Musk, accusing him of being the single biggest beneficiary of government subsidies in American history.

The remarks came in a fiery post on his Truth Social platform, where Trump doubled down on his opposition to electric vehicle (EV) mandates — and indirectly questioned Musk’s entire business empire.

“Elon Musk knew long before he pretended to support my campaign that I have always opposed the EV mandate. It’s a ridiculous law and has been a central part of my platform,” Trump said.

While clarifying that he is “not against electric vehicles,” Trump emphasized that “nobody should be forced to buy one.”

But it was his direct jab at Musk that sparked the most buzz:

“Elon Musk might be the biggest subsidy recipient in the history of the world. Without those subsidies, he might have to shut down and return to South Africa.”

“No Subsidies, No Rockets, No EVs”

Trump went further, suggesting that without taxpayer-funded support, “there would be no rocket launches, no satellites, and certainly no electric cars,” adding that eliminating such subsidies could save America billions of dollars.

He sarcastically proposed that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — a reference many see as a dig at Musk’s involvement in Dogecoin memes — should “take a hard look at this mess.”

“We could save a fortune!!!” Trump wrote.

Political Backdrop: Tensions Over Budget and Musk’s Threats

The outburst came on the heels of Elon Musk’s controversial comments criticizing a Republican-backed debt ceiling bill. Musk had threatened to form a new political party — “The America Party” — if the bill passed, and even mocked the GOP as the “Porky Pig Party.”

Trump, however, defended the bill, calling it:

“A great, beautiful bill — maybe the biggest and most important of its kind, offering historic tax cuts, job creation, military support, and border security.”

He warned that rejecting the bill would mean a 68% tax hike — “the biggest in history!”

Analysis: Trump vs. Musk — An Ideological Civil War?

While Musk was once seen as an informal ally of Trump during his presidency, their relationship has soured. Now, with both eyeing political influence — Trump through a comeback campaign, and Musk through his rising tech-political clout — this public clash feels like a civil war within America’s capitalist elite.

Trump’s aggressive framing positions Musk as a symbol of elite dependence on government, directly contrasting his own “America First, taxpayers first” narrative.

The Real Question: Is Musk’s Empire Built on Taxpayer Money?

From Tesla’s EV credits to SpaceX’s NASA contracts, Elon Musk has undeniably benefited from public funding. But with Trump turning it into a campaign weapon, the debate is no longer just about policy — it’s about trust, independence, and who truly delivers to the American people.