In a shocking development for fans around the world, pop star Justin Bieber has suddenly announced that he will sell all of his real estate in red states in the United States and leave the country. This decision came after a public spat with tech billionaire Elon Musk, who currently holds a prominent role in the US government under President Donald Trump. Bieber’s announcement, posted on social media platforms on the evening of March 16, 2025, has stirred up fans and the media community, raising a series of questions about the root cause of this bold decision.
Justin Bieber, one of the world’s most famous artists, has built a music empire with a string of hit singles such as “Baby,” “Sorry,” and “Love Yourself.” However, in recent years, he has become known not only for his music, but also for a volatile personal life, from his marriage to Hailey Bieber to health issues such as Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which has forced him to suspend performing. Now, Bieber’s latest decision seems to mark a major turning point in his life, as he has decided to abandon his life in the United States—where he had been since he was a teenager—and move from Canada to pursue his music career.
According to a brief but implicit post on X, Bieber wrote: “I’ve been thinking a lot and have decided it’s time for a change. I will be selling all my real estate in red states and leaving the United States.” While not directly mentioning Elon Musk in the post, multiple sources close to Bieber have revealed that the conflict with the tech billionaire is the main reason for this decision. Red states, often understood as states that tend to support the Republican Party in elections, where Bieber owns many valuable assets, including lavish mansions in Texas and a large farm in Idaho.
The controversy between Bieber and Musk began from a seemingly small incident but quickly escalated into a public battle on social media. In early March 2025, Musk, who led the Department of Government (DOGE) under President Trump, posted a status line on X mocking the lavish lifestyles of Hollywood stars, who refer to owning large amounts of real estate as “wasting resources.” While he didn’t name anyone, Bieber seemed offended and responded with a harsh post: “I work hard for what I own.” Musk, who is known for his oblivious response style, immediately responded: “Hard work? Or singing a few songs and letting fans carry the money?”
Since then, the battle between the two has become more tense. Bieber has accused Musk of being a false moral figure, criticizing him for using the power of government to impose his personal opinions on others. Musk, meanwhile, continued to sarcasm Bieber, calling him a “damaged boy” and saying he should “learn to work hard instead of whining.” The controversy has garnered widespread public attention, with millions of followers and comments on X. Some supporters of Bieber, saying he had the freedom to live as he pleased, while others, on Musk, agreed with the idea that entertainment stars often live far removed from reality.
However, what surprised many people was how this conflict seemed to push Bieber to an extreme decision. According to an anonymous source close to the singer, Bieber felt threatened by Musk’s growing influence in the United States, particularly as Musk promoted policies to reduce government spending and streamline the bureaucracy. “Justin fears that people like Musk, with the power he currently holds, could make his life more difficult. Bieber’s choice to sell real estate in red states would also be an emblematic act, to show opposition to areas where he believes he supports Musk and Trump’s policies.”
It’s currently unclear where Bieber will go after leaving the United States. Some speculate that he may return to his hometown in Canada, where he still holds his citizenship and has a family. Others believe he may choose a European country like France or England, where he and Hailey have expressed their love during previous trips. Regardless of where the destination is, this decision will certainly have a major impact on Bieber’s image and career. Fans feared that leaving the United States would push him out of the center of the global music industry, while some hope it will be an opportunity for him to find his way.