ISLAMABAD: Billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk expressed disappointment over US President Donald Trump’s latest spending bill, marking a rare public divergence from the president he once strongly supported.
Musk criticized the legislation, saying it would worsen the US budget deficit and undermine the efforts of his government efficiency team, known as DOGE, which he had helped establish to cut federal spending.
This comes after Musk decided to step back from his role in government to focus more on his private ventures Tesla and SpaceX.
Concerns Over Budget Deficit and Government Cuts
Musk described the spending bill, officially named the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” as flawed, arguing it increases the national deficit rather than reducing it.
The bill includes sweeping tax relief and spending cuts but faces criticism for potentially slashing healthcare funding and increasing the deficit by up to $4 trillion over the next decade. Musk said in an interview with CBS News, “A bill can be big, or it can be beautiful.
But I don’t know if it can be both.” His comments highlight his skepticism about the bill’s fiscal responsibility despite its domestic policy goals.
DOGE Faces Criticism, Musk Returns to Business
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk led before stepping back last month, has been a target of public frustration, with Musk calling it the “whipping boy” for dissatisfaction with government operations.
Despite cutting tens of thousands of federal jobs and restructuring departments, Musk acknowledged the challenges posed by entrenched bureaucracy in Washington, saying reforms were an “uphill battle.” Meanwhile, his companies faced backlash; Tesla dealerships were targeted by protesters, and some electric vehicles were set on fire.
Musk plans to refocus on his companies and reduce political spending after supporting Trump’s 2024 campaign with a substantial donation.
This public break underscores the complexities Musk faces balancing his business ambitions with his political engagements.
