Tech billionaire Elon Musk had conciliatory words for President Donald Trump Wednesday, after the president threatened on Tuesday morning to deport him and revoke all government subsidies to his companies.
Musk was born and raised in South Africa but became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2002.
"Credit where credit is due," Musk wrote early Wednesday on his social platform X. "@realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world."
He included a screenshot of Trump's Truth Social post from Tuesday, in which the president highlighted the diplomatic work taking place behind the scenes to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
"My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza," Trump wrote Tuesday evening. "Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better – IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Trump's one-time ally, who is also the former head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), made his comments less than 24 hours after the president threatened to send him back to South Africa.
Speaking with reporters at the White House Tuesday morning, Trump was asked, "Are you going to deport Elon Musk?"
"I don't know," Trump replied. "I mean, we'll have to take a look. We might have to put DOGE on Elon. You know what DOGE is? DOGE is the monster that – it might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldn't that be terrible?"
The president said that the Tesla CEO was "very upset" that his centerpiece legislation — the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — eliminates tax breaks for consumers who purchase or lease electric vehicles.
In a Truth Social post, Trump also threatened the SpaceX CEO's federal contracts and subsidies.
"Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly Endorsed me for President, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate," the president said. "It is ridiculous, and was always a major part of my campaign. Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one. Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.
"No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE," he added. "Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!
Musk left his role as a special government employee in Trump's administration in May after the two clashed on the budget reconciliation package, arguing the bill would greatly increase the national debt and erase the savings he says DOGE has achieved.
Following their initial explosive donnybrook on social media, the weeks-long détente between Trump and Musk was shattered Tuesday, when Musk renewed his attack on Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending bill, calling for a new political party and vowing to unseat lawmakers who supported it.
Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.