Elon Musk, who significantly bankrolled Donald Trump’s presidential campaign last year with a $200 million donation, has turned belligerent, publicly criticizing the President’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” In a CBS interview, Musk expressed “disappointment” with the bill’s “massive spending” and its expected $2.3 trillion addition to the budget deficit, which he claims undermines his efforts to cut government costs.
This dramatic shift from a key financial supporter to a vocal critic underscores a profound change in the relationship between the billionaire entrepreneur and the US president. Musk’s prior role leading the “department of government efficiency” (Doge) aimed to streamline government spending, a goal he now believes is directly contradicted by Trump’s signature legislation. This ideological clash appears to be driving their growing estrangement.
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” aims to deliver on Trump’s campaign promises, including extending tax cuts and cutting social safety nets, while also funding controversial initiatives like border wall construction. However, the projected increase in the national debt and the bill’s impact on industries like electric vehicles – directly affecting Tesla – have ignited a strong backlash, even from within Trump’s former circle of influence, indicating widespread concerns about its long-term consequences.