Elon Musk’s Influence: How His Actions Stirred Political Controversy

Tech titan Elon Musk just doubled down on his criticism of Trump’s signature spending package, calling it a “disgusting abomination.” Musk’s extreme criticism has sent shockwaves through MAGA circles as supporters grapple with this high-profile break from Trump’s agenda.

At a glance:

• Elon Musk harshly criticized a Trump-backed spending bill as a “disgusting abomination”
• The “mega-bill” is expected to add $3 million to US deficits over a decade
• Musk’s comments come shortly after leaving his role in Trump’s government efficiency department
• White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump still supports the bill
• Tensions between Musk and Trump are escalating despite Musk’s financial support for Trump’s campaign

Musk Breaks With Trump on “Big Beautiful Bill”

Elon Musk has publicly denounced a major spending bill backed by President Trump, calling it a “massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill” and a “disgusting abomination.” The tech billionaire’s criticism comes just days after he stepped down from his position with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he was tasked with identifying federal spending cuts.

The controversial “mega-bill” is projected to add approximately $3 million to US deficits over the next decade despite containing cuts to health and food aid programs. Musk’s sharp rebuke represents a significant departure from his previously more measured critiques of government spending under the Trump administration.

While Musk has criticized the bill in recent weeks, he took to twitter on Tuesday, June 3, to double down in his criticism.

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.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 3, 2025

“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 said.

White House Stands Firm Behind Legislation

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt quickly defended the bill and affirmed President Trump’s continued support for the legislation despite Musk’s criticism.

“The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill, it doesn’t change his opinion,” Leavitt stated firmly, adding, “This is one big, beautiful bill, and he’s sticking to it.”

Elon Musk in new interview: “I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit and undermines the work the DOGE team is doing. I think a bill could be big, or it could be beautiful—I don’t know if it can be both.” pic.twitter.com/DnyjHN7xCY

— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) May 28, 2025

The public comments highlights growing tensions between Musk and Trump, which have intensified despite Musk’s substantial financial contributions to Trump’s election campaign – although, Trump has refrained from publicly criticizing Musk, despite their obvious disagreements.

Curious Timing

The Department of Government Efficiency, co-led by Musk until recently, had ambitious goals of saving $2 trillion in government spending. Official statements claim the program has saved approximately $175 billion, and while it seems like a huge gap, Republicans have praised Musk’s work for uncovering an extraordinary amount of fraud and waste.

Musk’s decision to leave government and immediately return to his criticism of Trump’s flagship spending package is interesting, and raises a few questions. Among them: is Trump secretly in agreement with Musk, and does that explain his refrain from attacking Musk in public?