Could Trump deport Elon?

That’s the question firing my synapsis this morning after the latest public spat between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

What started as a high-flying alliance — Musk, the billionaire innovator, and Trump, the dealmaker-in-chief — has now devolved into a headline-grabbing feud.

Truth be told, we saw the first cracks in this partnership as early as March 2025 when tensions inside Trump’s cabinet began to bubble into public view.

Back then, it was clear that Musk’s full-throttle plan of action and Trump’s instinct for control were on a collision course.

The fireworks reignited in late June, when Musk began hammering away at Trump’s flagship spending bill on social media.

Musk, who’s never been shy about voicing his opinions, called the legislation a “disgusting abomination” and accused Republicans of betraying their promises to cut government spending.

He didn’t stop there — Musk threatened to back primary challengers against GOP lawmakers who supported the bill, and even floated the idea of launching a new “America Party” if things didn’t go his way.

Trump, never one to let a challenge go unanswered, hit back hard.

In a series of Truth Social posts and White House comments, he accused Musk of being upset because the bill would slash green energy subsidies — money that’s been a lifeline for Tesla and SpaceX.

Trump even suggested that, without these subsidies, Musk would “have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”

When pressed by reporters about whether he’d actually consider deporting Musk, Trump replied: “We’ll have to take a look,” and joked about unleashing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on Elon himself.

So, could Trump really deport Elon Musk?

Your Rundown for Wednesday, July 2, 2025...

Could Deportation Be Real? (Plus, Subsidies in the Hot Seat)

Here’s where things get interesting…

Musk is a naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from South Africa. While the president has broad powers over immigration enforcement, deporting a naturalized citizen is extremely rare and legally complicated.

It would require evidence of fraud or misrepresentation during the naturalization process — something no one has credibly alleged about Musk. In other words, Trump’s threats are more political theater than legal reality.

But that doesn’t mean Musk is off the hook.

Trump has made it clear he’s willing to target Musk’s business interests. He’s threatened to sic DOGE on Tesla and SpaceX’s government contracts and subsidies, which could put real financial pressure on Musk’s empire.

“Elon might be receiving more subsidies than any person in history, and without those subsidies, he would likely have to shut down and return to South Africa,” Trump says.

• Trump’s claim is exaggerated: Combined, Tesla and SpaceX have received about $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies and tax credits over more than two decades. But U.S. industries — including agriculture, oil and gas, aerospace and defense, etc. — have historically received larger subsidies.

Whether Trump will follow through on his threats remains to be seen, but the message is unmistakable: cross Trump, and there will be consequences.

This feud is about more than just bruised egos.

It’s a battle over the future of American industry and the Republican Party. Musk’s willingness to break from Trump and threaten a new political party shows he’s not content to play second fiddle.

For Trump, keeping Musk in line (or at least keeping him guessing) means maintaining control over a powerful ally who could just as easily become a dangerous rival.

For Trump supporters, the drama is a reminder of the president’s willingness to take on anyone, even a former friend, if he believes it’s best for his administration.

Whether or not Trump could actually deport Elon Musk, the spectacle sends a message: In Trump’s America, loyalty matters — and that goes for the richest man on the planet too.

Market Rundown for Wednesday, July 2, 2025

S&P 500 futures are slightly in the red at 6,245.

Oil is up over 1% to $66.15 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold is up 0.30% to $3,359.70 per ounce.

And Bitcoin’s up 1.60% to $107,280.