Trump ‘Disappointed’ with Elon Musk’s Attacks on Budget Bill
President Donald Trump voiced surprise and disappointment on June 5, 2025, over Elon Musk’s scathing criticism of his signature “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Musk, the former head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), labeled the bill a “disgusting abomination” on X, arguing it balloons the U.S. deficit by $2.3–$3.8 trillion over a decade, per the Congressional Budget Office. The bill, which extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and boosts military and border security spending, passed the House narrowly but faces Senate hurdles.
Trump, speaking at the White House, said, “Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” signaling a fracture with his former ally, who donated over $250 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign. Musk’s comments, echoing fiscal conservatives like Senators Rand Paul and Mike Lee, criticize the bill’s “pork-filled” spending, claiming it undermines DOGE’s $175 billion in cuts. House Speaker Mike Johnson called Musk’s stance “very disappointing,” suggesting tensions over electric vehicle tax credit rollbacks affecting Tesla.
The Senate, with a slim Republican majority, must navigate these divisions to pass the bill by July 4. Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, have seized on Musk’s remarks to oppose the bill’s healthcare cuts. This public spat could reshape GOP dynamics and fiscal policy debates.
