Without US handouts, Trump says Musk would head back to South Africa
Donald Trump hit back at Elon Musk on Tuesday, slamming the government subsidies Musk gets after the billionaire criticised Trump’s key spending bill.
Image: Graphic/Se-Anne Rall
In a striking rebuke, former President Donald Trump took to social media on Tuesday to target tech mogul Elon Musk, asserting that the billionaire owes much of his empire to substantial government subsidies.
Trump's statement, delivered through his preferred platform, accused Musk of building his wealth on taxpayer dollars, claiming that without these financial boosts, Musk would be forced to “shut it all down and head back home to South Africa.”
US President Donald Trump once again targeted former aide Elon Musk on Tuesday, attacking the amount of government subsidies the entrepreneur is receiving, after the tech billionaire renewed criticism of the president's flagship spending bill.
Image: Donald Trump/Truth Social
The scathing remarks come amid growing scrutiny over Musk's ventures, which span electric vehicles, space exploration, and satellite technology. Trump’s assertions raise an important discourse regarding the public’s investment in private innovation, particularly as America strives to maintain its competitive edge in technology and green energy.
“Rocket launches, satellites, and electric car production would grind to a halt—and the U.S. would save a fortune,” Trump added, suggesting a complete overhaul of how taxpayer funds are allocated to private enterprises.
Moreover, the former president did not shy away from mocking Musk’s backing of electric vehicle (EV) mandates, branding it “ridiculous.” Trump’s criticism highlights a broader divide in the political landscape regarding climate policies and the role of government in fostering—or hindering—economic growth in emerging sectors.
In an unexpected twist, Trump hinted that even the popular cryptocurrency Dogecoin (DOGE) should reassess its association with Musk’s taxpayer-funded ventures, suggesting a potential instability in the billionaire's business practices that could affect his influence in the digital currency sphere.
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