Elon Musk calls Trump's tax and spending bill a ‘pork-filled Congressional disaster': White House fires back

Economic Times

2 days ago

ANI Elon Musk slams Trump's funding bill, calls it 'disgusting abomination'
Elon Musk has launched a fierce attack on President Donald Trump's signature tax and spending bill, calling it a 'disgusting abomination' that will worsen the federal budget deficit. His criticism comes just days after Trump gave Musk a high-profile Oval Office farewell, marking the end of his work leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
'I'm sorry, but I just can't stand it anymore,' Musk wrote on X, his social media platform formerly known as Twitter. '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.'
The bill, which has passed the House and is now under Senate review, aims to extend and add tax cuts while increasing federal spending by hundreds of billions, particularly on border security and national defence. However, it also includes significant cuts to subsidies and tax credits for electric vehicles, a move that could harm Tesla, Musk's electric car company. This public outburst marks a sharp shift for Musk. Last year, he poured over $250 million into supporting Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. He had even vowed to back challengers against Republicans deemed insufficiently loyal to Trump. Now, he urges voters to 'fire all politicians who betrayed the American people' in the 2026 midterms.
Musk's full message was clear: 'In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people.'Yet, it remains uncertain how Musk plans to translate his criticism into action. He recently mentioned he would spend 'a lot less' on political campaigns but left open the possibility of future involvement 'if I see a reason.'
The reaction among Republicans has been mixed and reveals tension within the party. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the party intends to move 'full speed ahead' despite Musk's criticism.Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia put Musk's influence in perspective, stating, 'No matter what Elon Musk or anybody else says — and I don't want to diminish him because I don't think that's fair — it's still going to be second fiddle to President Trump.'Alex Conant, a Republican strategist, noted, 'It's not helpful' for Musk to criticise the legislation. Still, he doubted lawmakers would side with Musk over Trump. 'Senate Republicans are not going to let the tax cuts expire,' he added. 'It just makes leadership's job that much harder to wrangle the holdouts.' — SpeakerJohnson (@SpeakerJohnson)
Some Republicans who prioritise fiscal restraint welcomed Musk's stand. Kentucky Senator Rand Paul called the bill 'massive waste in government spending' and rejected the proposed debt increase. Utah Senator Mike Lee also expressed concerns, saying, 'Federal spending has become excessive,' adding that it fuels inflation and 'weaponises government.' — BasedMikeLee (@BasedMikeLee) Paul wrote on X, 'I agree with Elon. We have both seen the massive waste in government spending and we know another $5 trillion in debt is a huge mistake. We can and must do better.'Musk responded with an American flag emoji, signalling solidarity.
Despite Musk's harsh words, the White House remained unshaken. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, 'The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill. It doesn't change the president's opinion. This is one big, beautiful bill, and he's sticking to it.'Leavitt dismissed claims that the bill would worsen the deficit, accusing the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office of bias for projecting the bill could raise the deficit by $3.8 trillion over ten years.Interestingly, Democrats have found an unlikely ally in Musk's criticism. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, 'We're in complete agreement,' holding up a large printout of Musk's post at a Capitol news conference.The legislation has drawn fierce Democratic opposition for its proposed cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, and green energy investments — cuts seen as a way to finance more than $4.5 trillion in tax breaks.Musk's departure from the Trump administration last week ended his 129-day stint as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency. During his time there, he pushed efforts to reduce government waste and spending.His abrupt exit came amid rising frustration, including disagreements over technology projects like running air traffic control via his Starlink satellite system. These were reportedly blocked over concerns about conflicts of interest.Musk's objections are not just ideological. The bill threatens subsidies crucial to Tesla's growth and the electric vehicle market. Given Tesla's status as the largest electric car manufacturer in the US, the tax credit cuts could reduce consumer incentives, impacting sales.
He also heads SpaceX, which has large defence contracts. The bill's massive increase in defence spending aligns with Trump's priorities, yet Musk's focus remains sharply on the bill's budget deficit and spending aspects. Elon Musk's blistering critique of a bill championed by his former political ally highlights a deepening rift. It signals his willingness to speak out on matters affecting both his companies and the nation's fiscal future. Meanwhile, the Republican Party navigates internal divisions as it pushes forward Trump's agenda, undeterred by criticism from one of its wealthiest supporters.