War of words over big bill intensifies between Musk, Trump

The escalating war of words between billionaire Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump over tax breaks and government spending cuts has intensified, with Musk hinting at launching a new political party and Trump lashing out at the Tesla CEO over electric vehicle subsidies.

The primary flashpoint in their clash is the President's sweeping tax and spending bill. Musk has sharply criticized the legislation, which Republican senators are currently scrambling to push through, warning that it would harm jobs and stifle emerging industries.

Musk, who also heads SpaceX, took to X on Saturday, describing the bill as “political suicide for the Republican Party.”

As the Senate endured a marathon overnight session stretching into Tuesday, Musk ramped up his rhetoric, pledging to campaign against lawmakers who back the legislation.

“Every member of Congress who ran on cutting government spending and then turned around to vote for the biggest debt increase in U.S. history should hang their heads in shame,” Musk posted on X. “They will lose their primary next year if it’s the last thing I do on this Earth.”

The post attracted significant attention, garnering 26 million views.

Just hours later, Musk went a step further, declaring his intention to establish a new political movement if the bill becomes law.

“If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be launched the next day,” Musk wrote. “Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so the people finally have a real VOICE.”

His statement about forming the America Party quickly went viral, amassing 32 million views on X.

Meanwhile, Trump, via his social platform Truth Social, directed his criticism at Musk’s reliance on electric vehicle mandates and subsidies. Trump emphasized that he has always opposed forcing people to adopt electric vehicles.

“Elon probably receives more subsidies than any person in history by a huge margin, and without those subsidies, he’d likely have to pack up Tesla and head back to South Africa,” Trump wrote.

The President further argued that eliminating such subsidies could lead to major national savings.

“No more rocket launches, satellites, or electric vehicle production — our country could save a FORTUNE,” Trump added. “Maybe DOGE should take a long, hard look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!”

Later, speaking to reporters from the White House lawn before departing for Florida, Trump suggested Musk’s aggressive stance stems from concerns over losing EV subsidies.

“He’s very upset. You know, he could lose a lot more than that, I can tell you that right now,” Trump remarked. “Elon can lose a lot more than that.”

The President also issued a veiled warning to Musk, referencing the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which Musk once led.

“DOGE could be the monster that turns around and eats Elon,” Trump warned.