“Big money to save”, harsh accusations with Musk and Trump for the budget

US President Donald Trump issued fierce accusations against Elon Musk on Tuesday, suggesting that technology billionaire companies have benefited “big money from government subsidies and demanding that the Government Efficiency Department (DOGE) examine the benefits Tesla and other related companies received.

“Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close the store and return to South Africa,” wrote Trump in a post on his Social Truth platform. He added: “Enough with missile concessions, satellites or electric machines. Our country would be spared a fortune. Maybe DOGE should take a good look at this? Big money to save!!!! ”

The president's reaction comes after Elon Musk intensified the attacks on the sweeping draft law on tax reduction and increasing federal spending, promoted by Trump and Republicans. Musk, through a post on the X platform, reacted briefly: “Words per word I'm saying: TAKE ALL. Now. ”

Musk, once an open supporter of the Trump, who spent almost $300m on his re-election campaign and personally led DOGE an initiative to reduce government costs has shown an apparent distance after the recent crash.

At the weekend, while the Senate reviewed the bill, Musk called it “legally insane and destructive”. On Monday, he followed with sharper criticism, saying lawmakers who promoted spending cuts but backed the bill “should lower their heads from shame! ”

This public confrontation represents a sharp twist in the relationship between two powerful Republican figures, once closely co-operating in government reforms and electoral campaigns. Subventions for Musk companies, especially in the automotive industry, solar energy and space, have long been a topic of debate among conservatives. /Periscope/