"If Elon Musk Hadn’t Received Government Subsidies, He’d Have Had to Pack Up and Return to Africa" – President Donald Trump
Washington, July 1, 2025 —
U.S. President Donald Trump has launched yet another sharp attack on his former ally, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. In a post on social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote,
“Elon Musk has probably received more government subsidies than anyone in human history. If not for that massive financial support, he would have had to pack up his business and return to South Africa.”
Trump further claimed that the government support provided to Musk’s companies was a waste of taxpayer money and should be stopped. “Without those subsidies, there would be no rocket launches, satellites, or electric car production—saving our country a fortune,” he said.
He also called on DOGE (Department of Government Expenditures), a government audit and efficiency department, to re-examine the subsidy records of Musk’s companies.
Political Rivalry and Personal Grudge
Although Trump and Musk were once close, their relationship has soured in recent years. Musk has criticized several of Trump’s policies and has positioned himself in favor of a new, tech-driven political direction—something that has sparked controversy within conservative circles.
Analysts say Trump’s attack may be interpreted as election-year pressure and part of a broader effort to exert political control over tech giants.
As of now, Elon Musk has not publicly responded to Trump’s remarks. However, sources close to him claim that the subsidies received were directed toward research, technological innovation, and the development of environmentally friendly industries—all of which served the national interest of the United States.
