FOX NEWS JUST REPORTED: Trump Threatens to Revoke Elon Musk’s US Citizenship
July 10, 2025 – 30 Minutes Ago
Fox News has reported that President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm of controversy by threatening to revoke the U.S. citizenship of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and deport him to his native South Africa. The shocking statement, made during a press interaction earlier today, marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing feud between the two former allies over Trump’s controversial “One Big, Beautiful Bill.”
Background of the Feud
The rift between Trump and Musk, once close political partners, has intensified in recent weeks. Musk, who became a U.S. citizen in 2002, has been a vocal critic of Trump’s signature tax-and-spending legislation, calling it a “financial boondoggle” that could harm American industries. The bill, which passed the Senate on July 1, 2025, includes provisions to eliminate tax credits for electric vehicles, directly impacting Musk’s Tesla. In response, Trump has accused Musk of opposing the bill out of personal financial interests.
On July 1, Trump hinted at deporting Musk, stating, “I don’t know. We’ll have to take a look,” when asked by reporters about the possibility. He also suggested turning the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), previously led by Musk, against him, saying, “DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon.” Today’s reported threat to revoke Musk’s citizenship takes the conflict to a new level, prompting widespread outrage and debate.
The Threat and Public Reaction
According to Fox News, Trump’s latest remarks came during a brief exchange with reporters outside the White House. When pressed about his earlier deportation comments, Trump doubled down, stating, “We’re looking into it. If he’s not loyal to America, maybe he shouldn’t be here.” The statement has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts, political commentators, and Musk’s supporters, who argue that revoking citizenship for political disagreements is both unconstitutional and unprecedented.
Social media platforms, particularly X, have exploded with reactions. Posts on X reflect a mix of shock, support for Musk, and accusations that Trump is abusing his authority. One user wrote, “This is a dangerous precedent—targeting a citizen for speaking out is not what America stands for.” Others, however, echoed Trump’s sentiments, citing Musk’s critical posts as disloyalty.
Legal Implications
Legal experts have been quick to point out that revoking Musk’s citizenship would face significant hurdles. U.S. law allows denaturalization only in cases of proven fraud or willful misrepresentation during the naturalization process. A 2005 email, cited in a defamation lawsuit, suggested Musk may have violated visa rules by working on his startup Zip2 while on a J-1 student visa. However, experts like Neama Rahmani of West Coast Trial Lawyers have stated that proving such violations to justify denaturalization would be “a tough task” for the Trump administration.
Musk, born in South Africa in 1971, holds citizenship in the U.S., Canada, and South Africa. Stripping his U.S. citizenship would require a rigorous legal process, and no such action has been initiated as of July 8, 2025.
Musk’s Response
Musk has not directly addressed today’s reported threat but previously responded to similar remarks on X, stating, “So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.” He has also threatened to form a new political party and support primary challengers against Republicans who backed Trump’s bill, signaling his intent to remain a political force.
Broader Context
The Trump-Musk feud began in early June 2025, when Musk criticized the tax bill and called for Trump’s impeachment, even briefly alleging Trump’s name appeared in the Epstein files—a claim he later retracted. Trump has countered by threatening to cut federal subsidies to Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, which rely heavily on government contracts.
Fox News reports that Trump’s comments have also drawn attention to similar threats against New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, raising concerns about the administration targeting naturalized citizens for political dissent.
