Anglo-Saxons are about to start robbing openly! The Trump administration is threatening to deport the world's richest man, Musk, which also means that Musk's assets can be confiscated. The US now has too much debt, and it dares not default on its debt to China because you say I have weapons of mass destruction, and I really do have them. Just find a local rich man to rob! Target those wealthy individuals and countries who lack their own armed protection for their wealth! The Middle East countries should be careful!
The Trump administration made an astonishing threat, directly targeting the world's richest man, Musk, vowing to deport him, with the possible implication of confiscating his assets, causing a global uproar. With a $36 trillion national debt weighing down, the US government is struggling financially, and paying interest alone consumes hundreds of billions of dollars each year, weakening public spending capabilities. Fearing Chinese debt, the US has turned its attention to domestic billionaires and resource-rich countries. After the removal of sanctions on Syria, the situation in the Middle East is turbulent. Is this a political gesture or the prelude to economic plunder? How will Musk's response and international reactions reshape the global landscape? The truth is obscure and full of suspense.
In 2025, the total US national debt soared to $36 trillion, accounting for 122% of GDP, becoming a major risk for the global economy. The massive debt has left the government financially strained, with annual interest payments consuming thousands of billions of dollars, reducing public spending capacity. After the Trump administration regained power, it introduced the "Big and Beautiful Act," planning to cut taxes by $4 trillion over the next decade to stimulate the economy, but this has also exacerbated the fiscal shortfall. To fill the gap, the government proposed to cancel the $7,500 subsidy for electric vehicle buyers, directly impacting companies like Tesla that rely on subsidies. This policy shift reveals the desperation and radicalism of the US under debt pressure.
The US owes China approximately $768.3 billion, accounting for 9.6% of foreign-held debt. Although Trump has repeatedly criticized China, defaulting on this debt is almost impossible. If it defaults, the global financial market would experience severe turbulence, and the dollar's hegemonic position might be shaken. More importantly, China holds a powerful military deterrent, making the US reluctant to easily breach the debt agreement. Under financial difficulties, Trump turned to easier targets: domestic billionaires and international weak countries, potential targets to alleviate pressure.
The conflict between Trump and Musk stems from policy differences and economic interests. Over the past two decades, Musk's Tesla and SpaceX have received about $38 billion in contracts, loans, and tax incentives from the US government. These supports helped Tesla become an electric vehicle giant and allowed SpaceX to dominate the aerospace market. However, the "Big and Beautiful Act" cuts subsidies, threatening Tesla's profitability and undermining Musk's business foundation. Trump publicly accused Musk of using public resources to accumulate wealth and even threatened to deport him, causing market turmoil.
The idea of deporting Musk sounds sensational, but legally it has little basis. Musk obtained US citizenship in 2002, and any deportation action would require proving that his citizenship was obtained through fraud, which is extremely difficult in court. Experts point out that Trump's threat is more of a political tactic, aiming to pressure Musk to compromise or create public opinion to confiscate part of his assets. This strategy not only targets Musk but also sends a warning to other billionaires who depend on government support: under financial crisis, wealth may become a "cash machine" for the government.
At the same time, the US's actions on the international stage are equally intriguing. In May 2025, the Trump administration announced the lifting of economic sanctions against Syria, which had lasted for 46 years, claiming to promote peace and prosperity. However, this decision hides calculations of resources and geopolitics. After the sanctions were lifted, the World Bank quickly approved a $146 million loan for the reconstruction of Syria's power grid, and the UAE took over port management, with foreign capital pouring in. This has been interpreted as the US attempting to control Syria's resources through economic penetration while aligning with the new government to counter Iran.
Middle Eastern countries are highly alert to this. Syria's openness may become a testing ground for American resource exploitation, especially for countries lacking strong military protection. Saudi Arabia and Russia have strengthened military cooperation, the UAE has increased defense budgets, and Qatar has used subsidies to protect local businesses. These responses indicate that Middle Eastern countries have realized that the US may resort to any means under financial pressure, with resource-rich weak countries being the first targets.
Facing Trump's threats, Musk did not back down. He emphasized through social media the contributions of Tesla and SpaceX to American technology and the economy, trying to gain public support. At the same time, he adjusted his business strategy, accelerating expansion into European and Asian markets to reduce dependence on US policies. Tesla has built new factories in China and Germany, optimizing production efficiency to cope with the impact of subsidy cuts. This flexible response shows Musk's resilience in times of crisis and provides a model for other billionaires to deal with government pressure.
The international community is closely watching this conflict. The "Big and Beautiful Act" eventually passed, but the electric vehicle subsidy was adjusted to $3,000 per vehicle, and Tesla's stock experienced fluctuations before gradually stabilizing. After the lifting of sanctions on Syria, the US and its allies increased investment, while Middle Eastern countries protected themselves through diplomacy and military measures. This dispute not only affects the US domestic economy but also impacts the global landscape, highlighting the radical strategies of powerful countries under fiscal crises.
The actions of the Trump administration, although seemingly targeted at Musk and Syria, actually reflect the urgent need of the US to relieve its debt crisis. It dares not default on its debt to China, and its domestic finances are also insufficient, so the government can only reach out to billionaires and weak countries. Musk's experience may just be the beginning, and other entrepreneurs who rely on government support may become the next target. Internationally, the example of Syria indicates that the US may use economic intervention or even asset confiscation to plunder resources to fill its fiscal hole.
This strategy may temporarily ease pressure, but in the long run, it carries significant risks. Domestic billionaires' resistance may weaken the US's innovative capacity, and the US's aggressive actions may cause alienation among allies and the formation of opposing forces. The global economic landscape may be reshuffled due to this game, and the self-protection efforts of Middle Eastern countries and billionaires will determine the future direction.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836682691396672/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.