Elon Musk has publicly condemned President Donald Trump’s landmark tax and spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” in a scathing post on X that signals a sharp rift between two once-close allies.
The bill, a cornerstone of Trump’s second-term agenda, was passed by the House of Representatives last month and is now before the Senate. It includes multi-trillion dollar tax breaks, boosts to defence spending, and a dramatic expansion of the federal borrowing limit to $4 trillion. Critics say it could drive the U.S. budget deficit to a staggering $2.5 trillion.
“Shame on those who voted for it,” Musk wrote on Tuesday. “This outrageous, pork-filled bill massively increases the already gigantic budget deficit and burdens American citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt.”
Musk’s rebuke comes just days after he abruptly exited the Trump administration, ending his 129-day tenure leading a cost-cutting advisory team known as Doge. His departure on May 31 was amicably acknowledged by Trump, who said Musk “will, always, be with us, helping all the way.” But Musk’s latest comments indicate a growing divide.
Though he previously described the bill as “disappointing,” Tuesday marked his first full-throated denunciation. The tech billionaire also warned of political consequences for lawmakers backing the plan: “In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people.”
The bill has sparked tensions within the Republican Party. Senator Rand Paul has vowed to vote against it over its debt ceiling provisions, stating, “The GOP will own the debt once they vote for this.” Trump responded by ridiculing Paul on social media, claiming he has “very little understanding of the bill” and is unpopular in Kentucky.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune downplayed Musk’s comments, asserting the party would “proceed full speed ahead.” House Speaker Mike Johnson, who helped shepherd the bill through the House, said Musk was “terribly wrong,” adding they had a 20-minute call on Monday discussing concerns, including the phasing out of electric vehicle tax credits.
“It’s a very important first start. Elon is missing it,” Johnson said. “I just deeply regret he’s made this mistake.”
Sources say Musk’s frustration also stems from a failed effort to get the Federal Aviation Administration to adopt Starlink technology for air traffic control—an idea reportedly shelved over concerns of a conflict of interest and technical feasibility.
The spending bill extends Trump-era tax cuts, channels billions into defense and immigration enforcement, and reduces funding to programs like USAID and public broadcasters NPR and PBS. The administration is also asking Congress to approve $9.4 billion in cuts—based on Doge’s recommendations—to appease fiscal conservatives.
Ironically, some Democrats who have previously criticized Musk welcomed his remarks. “Even Elon Musk, who’s been part of the whole process, and is one of Trump’s buddies, said the bill is bad,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said.
Musk, who donated over $250 million to Trump’s re-election campaign, has historically aligned himself with Trump’s deregulatory and nationalist agenda.
Chioma Kalu
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