Musk has been at Trump’s side for months. But now there’s a rift.
And Elon Musk broke with Trump on a major issue that changes everything.
Musk Slams Trump’s Spending Bill as Deficit Balloons
Elon Musk, appointed by President Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), sharply criticized a sprawling spending bill for undermining his team’s efforts to slash federal waste. In a CBS interview, Musk expressed his frustration, saying, “I was like disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit … and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing.”
His remarks highlight a growing rift within the GOP over fiscal discipline, as the bill’s massive additions to the national debt clash with DOGE’s mission to streamline government operations.
Musk also questioned the bill’s characterization, adding, “I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful. I don’t know if it can be both.”
This critique echoes the concerns of fiscal hawks like Sens. Ron Johnson and Rand Paul, who have slammed the bill’s spending levels as it faces Senate scrutiny. The House, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, passed the measure despite warnings that its minimal cuts fail to offset the trillions it will pile onto the national debt.
DOGE’s Mission Faces Political Headwinds
Musk’s role at DOGE, tasked with eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, has thrust him into a contentious political arena, amplifying his status as a divisive figure.
His $250 million donation to Trump’s 2024 campaign has drawn sharp Democratic pushback, complicating his efficiency efforts and impacting Tesla, which saw declining sales despite his popularity among conservatives.
The spending bill’s extravagance, coupled with resistance from entrenched bureaucrats, frustrates Musk’s vision for a leaner government, exposing the challenges of translating his business acumen into political reform.
Adding to his woes, Musk suffered a high-profile defeat in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race, where Democrats framed the contest as a referendum on the world’s richest man. This setback underscores the political risks of his deep involvement in GOP initiatives, as his high-profile role at DOGE makes him a lightning rod for criticism.
The interplay between his DOGE mission and these political realities highlights the uphill battle he faces in reshaping federal governance.
Musk Signals Retreat from Political Arena
At the recent Qatar Economic Forum, Musk indicated a step back from his intense political engagement, stating, “I think I’ve done enough.” His decision to “do a lot less” in political spending follows the Wisconsin loss and ongoing frustrations with the DOGE initiative’s slow progress against bureaucratic resistance.
This shift raises questions about his future influence within Trump’s administration, as he appears to recalibrate his focus amid mounting challenges.
As the Senate debates the spending bill, Musk’s vocal disapproval underscores a broader GOP struggle to balance fiscal responsibility with political realities.
His reduced political involvement could weaken the push for efficiency reforms, leaving fiscal conservatives to confront the deficit without his full support.
The evolving dynamic suggests Musk’s high-stakes foray into politics may be cooling, potentially reshaping his role in Trump’s agenda and the broader fight against government waste.
