Elon Musk has publicly condemned Donald Trump’s recently approved “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” asserting that the massive spending plan sabotages the cost-cutting efforts he had been spearheading within the administration. In remarks to CBS, the Tesla CEO expressed his disappointment, highlighting how the legislation’s projected $2.3 trillion addition to the deficit directly undermines the work of the “department of government efficiency” (Doge), a task force he led since January with the aim of reducing state expenditures.1
This criticism from Musk is poised to further exacerbate the growing tension between the billionaire entrepreneur and the US president. Despite Musk’s significant financial contributions to Trump’s presidential campaign last year – including a $200 million donation from his super PAC – their relationship appears to be souring. This development comes after Musk stepped back from his advisory role in the Trump administration in April, following a sharp decline in Tesla’s earnings and a costly, unsuccessful foray into a Supreme Court race.
Beyond his concerns about government spending, Musk also has personal business interests impacted by the new bill. The legislation is set to eliminate a $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles and introduce a $250 annual registration fee for EV owners, measures that directly affect Tesla’s bottom line. This opposition from a prominent figure like Musk could embolden hardline Republicans, who have already signaled their intent to block the bill in the Senate unless more substantial spending cuts are implemented to rein in the national debt.
