Elon Musk has voiced his strongest criticism yet of a Trump-backed policy. In a CBS interview preview, the billionaire expressed frustration with the president’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill”, arguing it worsens the national deficit and undermines reform efforts at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk’s Sharp Response to Trump’s Spending
“I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit,” Musk said in a clip released Tuesday. He added that the legislation directly conflicts with the goals of the DOGE team, which he had helped shape.
Musk didn’t stop there. “A bill can be big or it can be beautiful,” he said. “But I don’t know if it can be both.” He emphasized that it was his personal opinion, but his tone suggested deeper concern.
These remarks mark Musk’s clearest public break from a key Trump policy. So far, the former president has not issued a response.
Massive Costs Expected from the Bill
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates that the Big Beautiful Bill will add $3.3 trillion to the U.S. debt over the next decade. If temporary provisions are extended, that figure could reach $8.5 trillion.
Such projections contradict the mission of DOGE. The agency’s goal is to reduce waste and improve government efficiency. Musk played a central role in its design and early initiatives.
Musk Pulls Back from Political Spotlight
Recently, Musk began stepping away from political activities. At the Qatar Economic Forum, he announced he would reduce political donations. “I think I’ve done enough,” he said.
Musk reportedly spent over $200 million supporting Trump’s last campaign. However, that investment may not have paid off. In a recent Wisconsin Supreme Court race, the conservative candidate he backed lost by a wide margin.
In May, Elon Musk told Tesla investors he would reduce his involvement with DOGE. He now plans to focus more on running Tesla and less on influencing government policy.
What’s Next for Musk and Trump?
The full CBS interview will air on June 1. Viewers will likely hear more about Musk’s shift away from politics and his thoughts on future legislation.
At this point, it’s unclear if Musk’s criticism will strain his relationship with Trump. Their alliance has shaped recent policy conversations. But this disagreement signals growing distance between them.
READ: Elon Musk Warns AI Has ‘Exhausted’ Human Knowledge for Training, Calls for Synthetic Data
