President Donald Trump on Monday warned Elon Musk against further criticism of his proposed “big, beautiful bill,” suggesting the government’s Department of Government Efficiency, or Doge, could target the billionaire.
Asked by reporters if he was worried Musk’s influence or money could sway Republican senators, Trump replied, “I think what’s going to happen is Doge is going to look at Musk, and if Doge looks at Musk we’re going to save a fortune.”
Before walking off, he added, “I don’t think he should be playing that game with me.”
Musk, who once headed Doge and was an informal Trump ally, has sharply criticized the bill for increasing the national deficit and has threatened to launch a political party if it passes.
Trump accused Musk of being upset over losing electric vehicle subsidies, saying, “We might have to put Doge on Elon… He gets a lot of subsidies.”
Trump’s remarks were made outside the White House.
