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The unexpected rift between two of America's most prominent figures has erupted into public view, with Elon Musk delivering a scathing rebuke of President Donald Trump's signature legislative achievement. The Tesla CEO's harsh condemnation of the multi-trillion-dollar tax and spending package marks a dramatic shift from his previous role as a key administration insider to vocal critic.
Musk's departure from the Trump administration occurred on May 31, 2025, after serving 129 days leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His mission centered on identifying wasteful government spending and streamlining federal operations. The tech billionaire's exit came amid growing tensions over the very legislation he now publicly opposes.
"This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination," Musk declared on X, his social media platform. The harsh rhetoric represents his first major public disagreement with Trump since leaving government service.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will increase the federal deficit by $3.8 trillion over the next decade. Musk warns the legislation "will massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion" and burden Americans "with crushingly unsustainable debt."
Current projections show the bill would raise the deficit by approximately $600 billion in the next fiscal year alone. The package includes extending tax cuts from Trump's first term, increased defense spending, and funding for mass deportation efforts.
The spending package has exposed deep divisions within the Republican Party. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky declared, "The GOP will own the debt once they vote for this," while expressing his refusal to support the legislation.
Trump responded aggressively to Paul's opposition, posting that the Kentucky senator has "very little understanding of the bill" and claiming "the people of Kentucky can't stand him." Paul later aligned with Musk, stating, "I agree with Elon. We have both seen the massive waste in government spending."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed Musk's criticism, stating, "The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill. This is one big, beautiful bill, and he's sticking to it."
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who shepherded the legislation through Congress, called Musk "terribly wrong" about the bill. Johnson revealed he held a 20-minute phone conversation with Musk on Monday, expressing surprise at the public criticism following their discussion.
Musk's opposition reflects deeper philosophical differences about fiscal responsibility and government spending. The billionaire, who contributed over $250 million to Trump's 2024 campaign, previously supported efforts to reduce federal expenditures through his DOGE initiative.
Senator Mike Lee of Utah echoed Musk's concerns, writing, "Congress has hollowed out America's middle class through reckless deficit spending and the inflation it causes."
The legislation faces a July 4 deadline for passage, with Trump and Republican leadership pushing for swift approval. Musk has issued a political warning, declaring, "In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people."
This unprecedented public split between two influential figures highlights the ongoing struggle within conservative circles over fiscal policy and government spending priorities. The outcome will significantly impact both Trump's legislative agenda and the future direction of Republican fiscal policy.
