Elon Musk has expressed dissatisfaction with a key policy from Donald Trump, marking a notable shift in his relationship with the former president, whom he assisted during the 2024 election campaign.
Recently, the US House of Representatives approved Trump’s expansive tax and spending bill, which the president has described as “big” and “beautiful.” This legislation, which promises significant tax breaks and an increase in defense budget, will now proceed to the Senate.
In an interview with CBS News, Musk stated he was “disappointed” by the proposal, claiming it contradicts his efforts to reduce government expenditure. Musk, who previously acted as a cost-cutting advisor for Trump, criticized the bill for potentially escalating the budget deficit by approximately $600 billion in the next fiscal year.
He noted that the bill undermines initiatives from the Department of Government Efficiency, referring to his team’s work aimed at cutting $1 trillion in spending. Musk remarked, “A bill can be big or beautiful, but not necessarily both,” suggesting deep misgivings about the proposed legislation.
The ongoing tensions within Trump’s Republican Party regarding tax and spending policies came to light as Trump acknowledged certain reservations about the bill even while expressing enthusiasm for aspects such as tax cuts. Musk’s critical comments indicate a rift from Trump, especially given his recent commitment to reducing political contributions and focusing on Tesla for the foreseeable future.
Source: www.bbc.com
