In a political climate where fact and fury often blur, Donald Trump has done it again and this time, he is setting his sights on Elon Musk, the billionaire tech titan who reshaped the internet, space exploration, and electric cars. The former president, never one to shy away from spectacle, hinted he might “look at” deporting Musk —a claim as shocking as it is legally dubious.
What happens when the world’s most powerful man takes aim at the world’s richest man?
The result is a combustible mix of political vendetta, legal fantasy, and personal ego, playing out at the intersection of power, tech, and immigration law.
But is this just Trump being Trump or the situation is caused by a much deeper war between Silicon Valley royalty and MAGA politics?
Let us unpack the story behind the sitch.
The Latest Statement: Trump on Musk
In a recent interview, Trump was asked about Elon Musk’s loyalty to the United States and whether he might consider revoking Musk’s immigration status.
“A lot of people are saying he came in illegally,” Trump said, adding: “I do not know, but if that is the case, we will certainly take a look at it.”
While Trump did not explicitly confirm any official action, his phrasing, especially the notion that Musk might have entered the country “illegally” has added fuel to speculation that political revenge could drive immigration-related scrutiny.
Background: The Trump-Musk Feud
This latest jab is not the first time Donald Trump and Elon Musk have clashed. In 2022, after acquiring Twitter (now X), Musk reinstated Trump’s previously banned account, framing the decision as a free speech issue. He conducted a Twitter poll where 52% of respondents voted to unban Trump, and Musk tweeted: “The people have spoken. Trump will be reinstated.”
This did not mean they were settled, despite this move, Musk still publicly criticized Trump shortly thereafter. Trump responded in typical fashion at a political rally, mocking Musk as “another bullshit artist” and claiming Musk had previously begged him for government subsidies and White House access. Musk also tweeted that it was time for Trump to “hang up his hat and sail into the sunset,” adding that the former president was too divisive to serve another term.
So yes, in summary, their relationship has long been a rollercoaster of mutual opportunism, policy overlap, and personal tension. But the current narrative stemmed from Trump’s recent Truth Social post where he criticized Musk for the financial aid his companies have garnered, especially concerning electric vehicles. The president mentioned that without them, “Elon might likely have to shut down and return to South Africa.”
His comments have sparked new discussions in the car and EV industries, with many now wondering what future rules might look like.
Trump also took a shot at Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Once seen as having a good relationship, the two now seem to be at odds. Trump accused Musk of depending too much on government money and claimed that without it, Musk would have to shut down Tesla and move back to South Africa.
Trump ended his post by saying: “There will be NO EV MANDATE in the USA,” and added that Americans should be free to choose what kind of vehicles they want to drive; whether electric, gas, diesel, or hybrid.
Is Elon Musk Deportable? The Legal Reality
Immigration Status
Elon Musk was born in South Africa and later obtained Canadian citizenship through his mother. He moved to the U.S. to study at the University of Pennsylvania, entering legally on a student visa. He later obtained an H-1B visa and eventually U.S. citizenship in 2002.
That makes Musk a naturalized U.S. citizen and not an immigrant on a visa, and not deportable under normal circumstances.
Can a Naturalized Citizen Be Deported?
Yes but under very narrow legal grounds, such as:
- Fraud during the naturalization process (e.g., hiding a criminal record)
- Membership in certain organizations, like terrorist groups, at the time of naturalization
To date, no credible evidence has ever surfaced suggesting Musk’s naturalization involved fraud or misrepresentation.
Why Is Trump Targeting Musk Now?
Political analysts believe Trump’s attack is both strategic and personal.
Revenge Politics
Trump is known to retaliate against former allies who criticize or distance themselves from him. Musk, who has become a dominant cultural and tech figure, has repeatedly jabbed Trump for his erratic behavior, especially around January 6.
Some speculate that Trump’s statement is designed to intimidate critics and show strength to his base.
Distraction from Legal Woes
Trump is currently:
- Awaiting sentencing in New York following his 34-count felony conviction in a hush-money case.
- Fighting three other indictments—including federal charges over the 2020 election and classified documents.
- Trying to maintain control over the narrative ahead of the 2024 Republican National Convention in July.
Attacking Musk could shift public attention and energize his supporters.
Business and Political Fallout
For Elon Musk
Musk has not officially responded as of June 30, but earlier this month he mocked Trump on X, suggesting the president was “increasingly unhinged.”
If Trump were to pursue any legal action against Musk in office, it would almost certainly be viewed as an abuse of power and likely challenged in court.
Musk continues to lead several companies heavily reliant on government contracts, including:
- SpaceX (NASA and Pentagon contracts)
- Tesla (energy and vehicle subsidies)
- Neuralink, xAI, and The Boring Company
Any government retaliation could create legal and investor complications.
For the Republican Party
Trump’s tough talk might fire up his loyal supporters, but it could also turn off some Republicans who see it as picking an unnecessary fight with one of America’s most successful business leaders.
In Summary: What Happens Next?
| Aspect | Reality Check |
| Deportation Threat | Legally implausible |
| Trump’s Motive | Likely personal + political |
| Impact on Musk | Minimal for now, but could escalate |
| Broader Significance | Raises concerns about rule of law, use of executive power |
With Trump poised to be the GOP nominee and Musk continuing to wield influence over AI, social media, and the space industry, their feud could have ripple effects well beyond headlines.
As of now, there is no formal move to investigate or deport Elon Musk. But in the era of Trump-style politics, the blurring of law and personal vendettas remains a serious concern for critics and constitutional scholars alike.
