Elon Musk publicly criticizes Trump’s tax-and-spend bill, citing deficit concerns and a break from cost-cutting efforts.
In a striking departure from past alignment, Elon Musk has criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s flagship tax and spending bill—legislation that could significantly increase the U.S. budget deficit. Musk, who played a notable role in Trump’s successful 2024 re-election campaign, expressed “disappointment” over the multi-trillion-dollar package passed narrowly by the U.S. House of Representatives last week.
The bill, which Trump hailed as his “big, beautiful” legislation, features extended tax cuts, expanded defense funding, and a proposed $4 trillion debt ceiling. It now awaits Senate consideration.
Musk: “It Increases the Deficit”
Speaking in an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Musk didn’t mince words. “I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly,” he said in a preview clip aired before the full segment. “It increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it,” he added.
The bill could inflate the national deficit by an estimated $600 billion in the coming fiscal year, raising concerns even among fiscal conservatives.
Doge Initiative Undermined, Musk Says
Musk, who was previously tapped as Trump’s “cost-cutting tsar,” had led the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge)—an advisory group aimed at curbing federal expenditures. According to Musk, the bill directly contradicts Doge’s objectives.
“It undermines the work that the Doge team is doing,” he said, highlighting what he sees as a reversal of efforts to rein in government waste. Using Trump’s own words against him, Musk added: “A bill can be big or beautiful. I don’t know if it can be both.”
Growing Fractures Within Republican Ranks
The legislation faced internal hurdles within the Republican Party, with multiple factions expressing discomfort over its size and scope. While Trump continues to tout the benefits of extending his 2017-era tax cuts and boosting military readiness, he also acknowledged “not being happy” about certain elements of the bill.
Notably, Trump avoided directly responding to Musk’s remarks when questioned by reporters in the Oval Office.
From Political Donor to Reluctant Critic
Musk’s criticism signals more than a policy disagreement—it reflects a broader shift in his political engagement. The billionaire reportedly contributed over $250 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign and had championed efforts to reduce federal spending by $1 trillion through contract cancellations and workforce reductions.
As of April, Doge’s website claimed $175 billion in savings, though independent analysis, including one by the BBC, casts doubt on the accuracy of those figures.
Pulling Back from Politics, Refocusing on Tesla
In the same interview, Musk revealed he plans to step back from political spending and reaffirmed his commitment to Tesla, pledging to lead the electric car maker for another five years. His dual roles—tech mogul and political influencer—have led to boycotts, protests, and even declining Tesla sales in recent months.
Despite the criticism and fallout, Musk defended his controversial tenure as Doge chief: “I did what needed to be done.”
The Road Ahead
As the bill heads to the Senate, Musk’s intervention adds fuel to the growing debate around fiscal responsibility and political priorities within the GOP. Whether his break with Trump marks a turning point or a temporary pause remains to be seen.
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