Musk blasts Trump-backed spending bill as 'disgusting abomination'
2 Min Read
The criticism comes in the wake of mounting debate over the bill's fiscal impact, with analysts projecting that it will add $2.6 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade.
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Elon Musk attends a news conference with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Elon Musk took to social media on Tuesday to deliver a blistering rebuke of a major Republican-backed spending proposal endorsed by former President Donald Trump. The legislation, titled the "One Big, Beautiful Bill," has become a centerpiece of Trump's domestic economic agenda.
"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," Musk posted on X.
I'm sorry, but I just can't stand it anymore.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 3, 2025
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.
The criticism comes in the wake of mounting debate over the bill's fiscal impact, with analysts projecting that it will add $2.6 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade.
Despite featuring popular tax relief measures, such as an extension of the 2017 tax cuts and a temporary tax deduction on tips through 2028, the bill has faced growing scrutiny for its expansive scope and cost.
In a press briefing later in the day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed Musk's remarks. She confirmed that Trump is aware of the billionaire's objections but made clear that the former president remains fully committed to the legislation.
Budget rift
The exchange follows an earlier indirect clash between Musk and Trump over the same bill. Speaking with CBS, Musk expressed frustration that the legislation fails to curb federal spending, instead deepening the budget deficit.
Trump, for his part, acknowledged imperfections in the bill but stood by it, stating, "While he dislikes certain aspects of the bill, he still considers it 'beautiful' because it offers substantial tax cuts for low- and middle-income American families."
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Musk's comments came just days after he stepped down from his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a position he had held since January. His departure appears to have freed him to speak more openly about internal disagreements over the direction of fiscal policy.
The bill cleared the House of Representatives on May 22 and now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to face further debate.
