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| Trump Weighs Deportation of Musk as Feud Reignites |
On July 1, 2025, President Donald Trump stunned Washington by suggesting he might examine the possibility of deporting Elon Musk, his onetime ally turned sharp critic. The remark came as Musk publicly denounced Trump’s signature One Big Beautiful Bill, a sweeping tax-and-spending package now under Senate debate .
Trump made the comment while leaving the White House en route to the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention centre in Florida. When asked whether Musk, a naturalised U.S. citizen originally from South Africa, could face deportation, Trump paused and said, “I don’t know. We’ll just have to take a look”.
Musk served briefly as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) early in Trump’s second term. In that unpaid role, he championed sweeping cuts to federal budgets, drawing praise from Republicans and annoyance from some Democrats . Their bond frayed when the One Big Beautiful Bill threatened to reverse key savings and end electric-vehicle tax credits that benefit Tesla. Musk called the bill “economically destructive,” and vowed to oppose politicians who back it.
The feud deepened after Musk hinted at forming a new political party to challenge incumbents. Trump accused Musk of hypocrisy for attacking a plan that cut spending overall but scaled back subsidies for clean energy, including Tesla. The billionaire’s critics argue his stance mixes genuine fiscal concern with self-interest.
Musk gained US citizenship in 2002. Legal experts insist denaturalising him necessitates evidence of dishonesty or deceitful acts during naturalisation proceedings a stringent criterion seldom fulfilled. Denaturalisation potentially renders Musk vulnerable to deportation as per immigration statutes but pundits dismiss such an outcome as highly improbable.
“Administrative attempts to strip citizenship almost never succeed,” notes immigration attorney Laura Hernandez. “Courts demand clear, convincing evidence of fraud.” Even if the Justice Department pursues such a case, it could drag on for years in federal court.
Many see Trump’s threat as political theatre. With midterms looming and his base energised by tough immigration stances, Trump may aim to fire up supporters . He has repeatedly vowed to expand deportations of undocumented immigrants nationwide, labelling sanctuary cities like Los Angeles and New York as defying federal law . Musk’s high profile makes him an easy target for headline-grabbing rhetoric.
News of the threat sent Tesla shares down nearly 6 percent in pre-market trading, trimming roughly $30 billion from Musk’s net worth. Market analysts point out that even the hint of regulatory or legal pressure on Tesla can spook investors, given the company’s reliance on U.S. incentives and contracts.
SpaceX and Neuralink, two of Musk’s other ventures, also derive billions in government contracts. Any move to revoke those deals could imperil projects ranging from national security launches to brain-computer interface trials.
• Immigration scholars caution against taking Trump’s remark at face value. “Such a deportation would set a dangerous precedent,” warns Prof Elaine Kim of Georgetown University. “It blurs lines between policy criticism and personal retaliation.”
• Political analysts see the salvo as part of Trump’s broader playbook. “He casts opponents as law-breakers to rally his base,” says GOP strategist Mark Davenport. “Musk’s celebrity status makes the narrative irresistible.”
• Tech industry insiders worry about the chilling effect. “If entrepreneurs fear personal attacks, innovation will suffer,” a former White House tech adviser says.
International leaders have watched the feud with alarm. South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor expressed “deep concern” over talk of deporting a citizen who has contributed profoundly to U.S. industry. European business groups caution that such tactics could undermine America’s image as a safe haven for innovators.
Trump’s office has not signalled formal action beyond today’s remarks. White House press secretary offered only: “The president was speaking hypothetically,” and suggested no legal proceeding is planned. Musk, for his part, has not publicly responded since the threat.
The Senate’s vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill is set for later this week. Should the legislation pass, it may jumpstart fresh rounds of criticism from Musk and more fiery rejoinders from Trump.