Elon Musk fired back at critics who claim the US government 'throws money' at his companies, calling the analysis a 'clown's analysis.' The Tesla and SpaceX CEO responded to an X user who shared data showing his companies have received over $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies, and tax credits since 2003.

Musk dismissed the criticism, noting that even if all the claims were true, they would represent less than 1% of Tesla and SpaceX's combined value. Tesla currently holds a market capitalization of around $1.5 trillion, while SpaceX is reportedly planning to go public at a similar valuation later this year. The world's richest man emphasized that NASA would only account for about 5% of SpaceX's revenue this year.

Musk defended his companies' government relationships, arguing that SpaceX won NASA contracts by delivering better results at lower costs than competitors. He stated that moving these contracts to other aerospace companies would leave astronauts stranded and cost taxpayers twice as much. The billionaire's retort comes amid intense scrutiny of his companies' reliance on government support, particularly as Tesla faces questions about its self-driving technology and humanoid robot ambitions while its core auto business slows.

Quick Fact: Musk's companies have received over $38 billion in government contracts since 2003.