Musk Slams Trump’s Tax & Spending Bill as a ‘Disgusting' Disgrace

(The Post News)– Elon Musk has launched a blistering attack on President Donald Trump’s flagship tax and spending bill, branding it a “disgusting abomination” in a dramatic split between two former allies.

The multi-trillion-dollar package, which combines sweeping tax breaks, increased defense funding, and a higher federal borrowing limit, was passed by the House of Representatives last month. It forms the centerpiece of Trump’s second-term legislative agenda.

Musk took to his X account to express disappointment in those that put the bill into law, noting the bill is “outrageous” and “pork-filled”. The billionaire, who abruptly left his White House advisory role on May 31 after just 129 days, added that the bill would “massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion and burden American citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt.”

The remarks mark Musk’s first public break with Trump since leaving the administration. Previously, he had described the bill as “disappointing”, but his latest comments reflect a deeper disillusionment. His team, nicknamed “Doge”, was tasked with identifying government spending cuts, some of which were folded into a parallel $9.4 billion reduction plan aimed at appeasing fiscal conservatives.

The bill, which Trump has repeatedly called a “big, beautiful bill”, also proposes extending tax cuts enacted in 2017, increasing defense spending, funding mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, and raising the debt ceiling to $4 trillion.

In a political twist, Musk, who donated more than $250 million to support Trump’s 2024 campaign, issued a warning: “In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people.”

Asked about the criticism, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the rift. Leavitt noted that Trump is already aware of Elon Musk’s position on the bill, adding that Trump remains committed to it and that it is a large, lovely bill.

On Capitol Hill, reactions were mixed. Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters that despite “a difference of opinion”, Republicans would “proceed full speed ahead”. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who shepherded the bill through the House, dismissed Musk’s criticism: “My friend Elon is terribly wrong,” further stating that Musk is missing a crucially significant first step.

Johnson also revealed he spoke to Musk for 20 minutes on Monday, noting that Tesla, Musk’s electric vehicle company, could be affected by the bill’s phasing out of EV tax credits. “I lament that,” he said, expressing surprise over Musk’s public comments.

Behind the scenes, Musk was also reportedly frustrated over a failed bid to have air traffic control managed via his Starlink satellite system. According to Axios, the plan was rejected over concerns about the technology and a perceived conflict of interest.

Republican Senator Rand Paul voiced similar opposition, saying he would not support the bill if it raises the debt ceiling. “The GOP will own the debt once they vote for this,” he told CBS News. Trump responded with his own online attacks, accusing Paul of having “crazy ideas” and saying the people of Kentucky “can’t stand him”.

Democrats, meanwhile, seized on Musk’s remarks. “Even Elon Musk, one of Trump’s guys, says this bill is bad,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. “That tells you everything you need to know.”

Despite internal party tensions, Trump and GOP leaders are racing to pass the bill by July 4. The outcome in the narrowly divided Senate remains uncertain, with key figures on both sides of the aisle watching closely as the fallout continues.