Trump Tells DOGE To Take 'Hard Look' At Tesla Subsidies; Musk Retorts, 'Cut It All'

The friction between US President Donald Trump and Tesla chief, Elon Musk is growing by the day. Trump on Tuesday suggested that the Department of Government Efficiency, which Musk quit in May, should consider reducing the subsidies provided to Tesla to save federal funds.

Shortly after this, responding to Trump's post, Musk took to his own social media platform X, saying, “I am literally saying CUT IT ALL. Now.”

Trump criticised Musk, who had served as the president’s advisor and led DOGE until May, implying that without these subsidies, Musk might have to shut down his operations. This comment followed Musk's criticism of the reduction in subsidies for electric vehicles in Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill".

Musk blasted the bill as "pork-filled" and a "disgusting abomination".

Trump took a dig at Musk in a post on Truth Social. "Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly endorsed me for President, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate. It is ridiculous, and was always a major part of my campaign. Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one."

He went on to say Musk may get more subsidy than any human being in history. "Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!"

Musk's criticism of the bill has strained his relationship with Trump, signifying a notable change after the tech billionaire invested nearly $300 million in Trump's re-election campaign and headed the administration's contentious Department of Government Efficiency, a federal initiative aimed at reducing costs.