WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday declined to rule out the possibility of deporting billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, further escalating his feud with the former head of his own government efficiency office.
Speaking to reporters as he prepared to depart for Florida, where he is set to open the so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center for migrants, Trump said his administration may consider action against Musk.
Asked directly whether he would look at deporting the South African-born CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Trump responded: “I don’t know, we’ll have to take a look.”
He added that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk once led as a special government employee, could also be tasked with investigating federal subsidies Musk’s companies have received.
Trump has repeatedly claimed Musk’s businesses depend heavily on taxpayer funds, warning in a social media post earlier this month that without them, Musk “would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
The exchange came as Trump prepared to promote his latest immigration crackdown with the opening of the Florida detention facility, an island center surrounded by swamps the administration has dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Before boarding Air Force One, Trump delivered a typically wide-ranging set of remarks. He mocked Zohran Mamdani, the Democrats’ nominee for mayor of New York City, calling him a “total nutjob” and a “communist.”
Turning to the new detention complex, Trump described how immigrants held at the facility will need to avoid wildlife if they attempt escape.
“Snakes are fast, but alligators—if we’re going to teach them how to run away from an alligator, if they escape prison…don’t run in a straight line…your chances go up about 1%,” he said.
Trump also returned to his running feud with Musk over the GOP’s sweeping spending package, known as the “big beautiful bill,” which Musk has called fiscally reckless. The president accused Musk of being “very upset” that the administration plans to terminate electric vehicle mandates—a cornerstone of Tesla’s business.
“Not everyone wants an electric car,” Trump said before climbing the steps of the plane, where he briefly slipped but recovered his footing.
Speaking again to reporters after the incident, Trump warned Musk could face further consequences beyond losing clean energy incentives.
“He could lose a lot more than that,” Trump said.
The escalating tensions between the president and Musk follow weeks of public recriminations. Musk has repeatedly condemned the spending bill, vowing to help unseat lawmakers who back it and threatening to launch a new political party.
Meanwhile, Trump’s visit to Florida underscores his broader campaign to shore up support for his immigration agenda and rally conservatives as Congress prepares to vote on amendments to the bill.
