could be used to hurt the billionaire's companies - as the former allies continue their public dispute over Trump's budget plans. "Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far," he wrote on social media. "Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!"

The tech billionaire wrote in reply: "I am literally saying CUT IT ALL. Now." Musk has repeatedly criticised Trump's so-called "big, beautiful bill", suggesting that it undermines the work he undertook to cut government spending. A row between Trump and Musk first blew up last month, with the pair trading barbs publicly before Musk backtracked on some of his attacks. Congress is currently voting on Trump's bill. The president's Republican Party holds majorities in both chambers, though some lawmakers in the party have voted against it - siding with opposition Democrats.

The proposed legislation includes increased spending for border security, defence and energy production that would be partially offset by controversial cuts to healthcare and food-support programmes. (BBC)