Elon Musk’s Unexpected Stance on Trump-Backed Bill Raises Eyebrows

Elon Musk has divided MAGA supporters by slamming a spending bill endorsed by President Trump. The tech billionaire’s harsh criticism has created a rift among MAGA supporters who now find themselves torn between two influential figures.

At a glance:

• Elon Musk called Trump-backed spending legislation a “disgusting abomination”
• The “mega-bill” is projected to add $3 million to US deficits over the next decade
• Musk recently departed from his role in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency
• White House Press Secretary defended the bill, saying Trump remains committed to it
• The public criticism comes despite Musk’s substantial financial support for Trump’s campaign

Musk’s Unexpected Attack on Trump’s Legislation

Tech titan Elon Musk has publicly blasted a major spending bill supported by President Donald Trump, calling it a “massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill” and a “disgusting abomination.” The billionaire’s comments come shortly after his departure from his role in the administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The controversial legislation, dubbed a “mega-bill,” is expected to add $3 million to US deficits over a ten-year period, despite including cuts to critical health and food aid programs. Musk’s criticism represents a significant escalation in tension between two figures who had previously maintained a close working relationship.

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

While Musk’s criticism of the bill is not technically new, his more vocal opposition and criticism of the bill’s supporters is certainly clearer than his first comments on the matter.

“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 on X.

White House Defends Trump’s Position

The White House has quickly moved to address the rift, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirming that Trump remains committed to 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 in response to questions about the public disagreement.

Leavitt further emphasized Trump’s commitment to passing the bill, adding, “This is one big, beautiful bill, and he’s sticking to it.”

Just in: @elonmusk says he is disappointed with the Big Beautiful Bill:

“I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decrease it. And it undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing.”pic.twitter.com/bFQgcuEOe0

— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) May 28, 2025

Musk Leaves DOGE

Musk’s criticism comes in the wake of his departure from DOGE, which he joined with significant fanfare and ambitious goals. The department initially aimed to save American taxpayers approximately $2 trillion, and while reports indicate it has fallen dramatically short of this target, the figure Musk’s team eventually reached is still hugely impressive.

DOGE has claimed savings of $175 billion, ahead of Musk’s departure, with promises of more work to be done. The shortfall has been described by Republicans as a result of resistance to DOGE efforts, which is certainly true – however, without Musk at the helm, some worry that the department will be able to make the same kind of rapid progress it did before.

Musk’s decision to double down on his criticism so soon after leaving the White House on good terms is curious. Does Trump secretly agree with Musk? Or does he simply want to avoid a war of words in public?