Trump and Musk's Public Feud Heats Up Over Government Spending

President Donald Trump recently took to Truth Social to criticize Elon Musk, suggesting that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should review the subsidies given to Musk's companies. Trump claimed that Musk receives more subsidies than anyone in history and that without them, Musk's businesses might struggle. He even hinted that DOGE might need to "go back and eat" Musk, a phrase that has sparked confusion and debate. Musk, known for his strong opinions, responded by sharing graphics on X that highlight the growing national debt, which has reached over $36 trillion. He also criticized the GOP bill, calling it a "massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill" and threatening to form a new political party if it passes. Musk's tweets have been aggressive, warning lawmakers that voting for the bill could cost them their seats in the next primary. The feud between Trump and Musk has intensified over the past few weeks. Trump has accused Musk of being upset over losing his electric vehicle (EV) mandate, while Musk has criticized Trump's support for the GOP bill. Despite their public spat, Musk's companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, continue to benefit from government contracts and subsidies, though the exact amount is unclear. Market reactions to the feud have been swift, with Tesla shares dropping 6% before the opening bell on Tuesday. Year to date, Tesla's stock is down 21%, though it has recovered somewhat from its spring lows. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed Musk's remarks, focusing instead on Musk's leadership in the rocket industry. The GOP bill remains a contentious issue, with Republicans facing slim margins in both the House and Senate. The bill, if passed, is expected to increase the national debt by $3. 3 trillion over the next decade and could lead to nearly 12 million people losing their health insurance due to Medicaid cuts. The Senate continues to vote on amendments, and the bill must be passed again by the House before heading to Trump for his signature.