In a post on Truth Social, Trump took aim at Musk for the subsidies his companies have received, particularly for electric vehicles. Trump said without them, Musk would "probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa." Trump had also said "we'll have to look" when asked if he would consider deporting Musk.

As South Africa is buffeted by criticism from President Donald Trump and other American conservatives—some of it unfair and pushed by bad-faith actors—centrist business and political leaders dream of riding that storm to hasten reforms.

President Donald Trump said he will 'have to take a look' at deporting Elon Musk to his native South Africa as their fight reached new heights.