Musk, once Trump’s biggest political backer in the 2024 election, has dramatically shifted gears. After months as a close ally and head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has turned increasingly critical since stepping down from the role in May.

Trump late Monday night fought back, suggesting his administration may investigate Musk’s companies’ massive government contracts. On Tuesday at the White House, Trump said Musk risked losing “a lot more” than government subsidies and threatened that the Department of Government Efficiency that Musk once led may “go back and eat Elon.”