Tech billionaire Elon Musk has strongly criticised former U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tax and spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” filled with wasteful spending. His attack comes at a time when Trump is actively trying to secure support for the controversial legislation.
In a social media post, Musk said, “This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it.”
The tax bill, already passed by the House, is expected to reduce government revenue by \$4 trillion over the next ten years. Despite proposed cuts to social programmes like Medicaid and food stamps, it is projected to add \$2.5 trillion to the federal deficit. It also removes key Biden-era tax incentives for electric vehicles and clean energy—directly impacting Tesla, Musk’s own company.
Musk’s public rejection of the bill follows his recent resignation from a short-term role in the Trump administration, where he led a cost-cutting initiative. His association with Trump had already caused a dip in Tesla’s sales, especially among climate-conscious consumers.
The White House was quick to dismiss Musk’s comments. 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.”
However, not all Republicans are aligned. Senator Mike Lee of Utah supported Musk’s criticism, saying the Senate must improve the bill before it becomes law. In contrast, House Speaker Mike Johnson said Musk’s remarks were “very disappointing,” and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the bill as “beautiful” after meeting Senate leaders.
Tesla has also voiced concerns over the bill’s impact on clean energy. Its energy division warned that ending tax credits for renewable energy could threaten America’s energy independence. Musk shared that warning, increasing pressure on lawmakers to rethink the plan.
The growing division within conservative circles, combined with Musk’s loud opposition, could delay or even derail the tax bill’s final approval.
