Elon Musk Slams Trump’s Spending Plan, Sparks Political Tension
The uneasy alliance between Elon Musk and Donald Trump seems to be unraveling, with Musk publicly criticizing a major economic bill tied to the former president’s administration. This comes shortly after Musk stepped down from his government advisory role—one that had earned him both praise and skepticism.
On Tuesday, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to unleash a fiery critique of a new spending bill backed by Trump, calling it “a disgusting abomination.” The tech mogul didn’t hold back, shaming lawmakers who supported the legislation, which is projected to add trillions to the national deficit over the next decade.
Musk’s frustration isn’t entirely new. He’s previously voiced concerns about the bill, but this time his tone was sharply critical. His post accused the legislation of piling unsustainable debt onto Americans, marking a significant shift in his usually cautious commentary on Trump’s fiscal plans.
Though the two billionaires were once seen as unlikely allies—Musk even donated heavily to Trump’s 2024 campaign—things appear to have soured. Sources suggest Musk’s disappointment stems from unmet personal and business expectations, including failed attempts to secure government support for his ventures like Tesla and Starlink.
One major point of contention? The bill removes incentives for electric vehicles—something that hits directly at Musk’s business. Meanwhile, other reports claim he’s been sidelined in efforts to expand his influence within the administration, including the shelving of his recommendation for a NASA leadership role.
Despite Musk’s vocal displeasure, Trump has remained unusually restrained. Political analysts say he’s being cautious, recognizing Musk’s influence over a key demographic of young, tech-forward voters that he’ll need in 2024.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded swiftly, saying the president was already aware of Musk’s stance and that it wouldn’t affect his position. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed disappointment, noting that Musk had been briefed on the bill earlier and “seemed to understand.”
The economic package in question includes significant cuts, including billions from public broadcasting and international aid. While Trump branded it “the biggest spending cut in history,” critics argue that the actual impact—especially on vulnerable programs—could be severe.
Musk had previously led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a controversial initiative meant to slash government costs. Although it generated headlines with massive job cuts and agency closures, the savings fell far short of Musk’s $2 trillion promise. Official estimates suggest actual savings may be closer to $180 billion—and even that figure is contested.
Adding fuel to the fire, Senate Democrats released a report Tuesday listing over 100 instances they say reflect unethical decisions that helped Musk avoid scrutiny while boosting his personal fortune.
As the debate over Trump’s sweeping fiscal plan continues, it’s clear that the once-cordial partnership between two of the world’s most high-profile billionaires is now on shaky ground.
