Musk breaks with Trump over controversial budget bill
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has publicly criticized a key piece of legislation tied to President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda, calling the budget package a “disgusting abomination.” This marks a significant break from Musk, who had supported Trump’s policies and worked briefly within his administration.
The bill, which was passed by theHouse of Representativeslast month, offers sweeping tax cuts, increaseddefense spending, and raises the US debt ceiling, triggering criticism from both sides of the aisle.
Musk’s strong words: “Shame on Those Who Voted for It”
In a series of posts on X, Musk expressed outrage at the bill’s financial implications. He warned that it would “massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion” and place unsustainable debt burdens on American citizens.
I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore.
This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination.
Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 3, 2025
Previously, Musk had only called the bill “disappointing.” His latest comments mark his first direct challenge to Trump since stepping down from his advisory role on May 31 after 129 days. Trump, at the time, praised Musk and said, “he will always be with us.”
From “big beautiful bill” to political flashpoint
Trump continues to champion the bill—nicknamed the “big beautiful bill”—as the cornerstone of his economic agenda. It seeks to extend the 2017 tax cuts and fund large-scale deportations and military initiatives. But it also includes a $4 trillion debt ceiling increase, drawing backlash from fiscal conservatives.
Musk posted a political warning: “In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people.”
Dissatisfaction across party lines
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to Musk’s criticism by reaffirming Trump’s support for the bill: “The President already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill. And he’s sticking to it.”
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer welcomed Musk’s comments, saying, “Even Elon Musk, who’s been part of the whole process and is one of Trump’s buddies, said the bill is bad.”
Internal GOP conflict deepens
Within the Republican Party, reactions to Musk’s criticism have been mixed. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated the party would move “full speed ahead,” despite “a difference of opinion.” Speaker Mike Johnson also defended the bill and revealed he had a 20-minute call with Musk about it, citing Tesla’s concerns over the phasing out of electric vehicle tax credits.
“I deeply regret he’s made this mistake,” Johnson said.
FAA dispute and Starlink tensions
According to Axios, Musk’s discontent also stems from being blocked from integrating his Starlink satellite system into the FAA’s air traffic control infrastructure. The proposal was reportedly rejected due to potential conflicts of interest and technical concerns.
Conservatives and Democrats alike criticize the bill
Senator Rand Paul has said he will not support the bill if it increases the debt ceiling, warning that “The GOP will own the debt once they vote for this.” Trump fired back, attacking Paul on social media and accusing him of being out of touch with voters.
Trump’s deadline and Musk’s financial ties
Despite the fallout, Trump is pushing for the bill to be passed and signed into law by July 4. To appease fiscal conservatives, he has proposed an additional $9.4 billion in spending cuts, mostly targeting foreign aid, USAID, NPR, and PBS—recommendations stemming from Musk’s cost-cutting team, Doge.
Musk had contributed over $250 million to Trump’s campaign in the previous election cycle, underscoring the magnitude of the rift.
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