President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on federal electric vehicle (EV) mandates and billionaire Elon Musk.
Trump claimed that Musk’s business empire would collapse without massive government subsidies.
In a social media post late June 30, Trump reiterated his fierce opposition to EV mandates, calling them “ridiculous” and declaring that electric cars “are fine,” but that “not everyone should be forced to own one.”
Trump accused Musk, who recently endorsed Trump’s 2024 campaign, of being the largest recipient of government subsidies in history.
“Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far,” Trump wrote.
“Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
The former president didn’t stop at Tesla.
He took aim at Musk’s entire portfolio, including rocket launches, satellites, and electric vehicle production.
“No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE,” Trump said.
He ended his statement with a cryptic suggestion:
“Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!” It was unclear whether he was referring to Dogecoin, a watchdog entity, or a political ally.
The comments come amid renewed debate over clean energy policy, federal subsidies, and Trump’s complicated relationship with the tech mogul.
Musk had recently criticized cuts to EV tax credits, calling them “incredibly destructive.”
Tesla, which has long benefited from a $7,500 EV tax credit, is expected to report another decline in sales later this week.
