Elon Musk has voiced strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s ambitious tax cut proposal, expressing concern that it would jeopardize the cost-cutting efforts initiated by his own Department of Government Efficiency, commonly referred to as the Doge department.
Musk, who is also the founder of Tesla and SpaceX, said he was “disappointed to see the massive spending Bill, which increases the budget deficit, and undermines the work that the Doge team is doing.” His remarks come as Trump’s legislative package, widely referred to as the “big, beautiful bill,” faces growing criticism for promising $4.5 trillion in tax reductions while substantially inflating the U.S. deficit.
The billionaire business magnate criticized the nature of the bill during an interview with CBS, stating, “I think a Bill can be big or it can be beautiful, but I don’t know if it can be both. My personal opinion.” His comments reflect skepticism about the sustainability of the proposed measures, especially in light of America’s mounting debt.
Musk had previously stepped away from active leadership of the Doge department in order to concentrate on his roles at Tesla and SpaceX. Nonetheless, his impact while leading the agency was significant. During his time at the helm, Musk orchestrated a controversial mass dismissal of thousands of federal employees in a bold move to reduce government expenditures.
Even before his departure, Musk had been outspoken about the dangers posed by America’s rising national debt, which now stands at $36.2 trillion. He has repeatedly warned that this level of indebtedness could drive the nation toward financial collapse. In a January appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast, Musk cautioned, “If we don’t act, the entire government budget will be used just to pay interest.”
These concerns have been echoed by economists and fiscal policy analysts who have scrutinized the financial implications of Trump’s proposed legislation. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill is projected to increase the federal deficit by $3.8 trillion by the year 2034, intensifying anxieties among lawmakers and investors alike.
The proposed legislation has met with resistance from several members of Trump’s own Republican Party. The level of dissent was evident when the bill barely cleared the U.S. House of Representatives, passing by a single vote. It now awaits review and likely approval by the Senate.
In addition to extending the tax reductions first introduced under Trump’s administration in 2017, the new bill also includes a variety of other significant provisions. It seeks to boost funding for border security, limit tax credits for clean energy initiatives, and implement work requirements for individuals receiving Medicaid, the federal health insurance program for low-income Americans.
Despite the mounting concerns and legislative hurdles, Trump remains committed to fast-tracking the bill. He has stated his intention to sign the legislation into law by July 4, a symbolic date that marks America’s Independence Day.
Musk’s recent criticism also follows a series of public disagreements with key figures from Trump’s administration. He previously directed harsh words at Trump’s trade adviser, Peter Navarro, whom he described as “dumber than a sack of bricks.” The two had previously clashed over the White House’s aggressive use of tariffs during Trump’s tenure.
Beyond political disputes, financial markets have responded with increasing caution as the implications of the bill become clearer. Investors are particularly worried about how the legislation could affect the government’s borrowing capacity. These fears were further amplified when Moody’s, a major credit ratings agency, downgraded the United States’ credit rating, citing apprehensions about deficit growth and rising interest payments.
Musk’s perspective adds to a chorus of fiscal watchdogs and experts urging restraint and reevaluation. With his experience at the Doge department focused on trimming bureaucratic fat and cutting unnecessary government spending, Musk views Trump’s bill as a direct contradiction to his efforts. The measures he introduced while leading the agency were designed to ensure long-term sustainability of public finances, something he believes is now under threat.
The current political climate has heightened the stakes of this legislative battle. While Trump aims to reinforce his economic legacy with a bold tax reduction package, critics argue that such sweeping measures risk long-term financial instability. The proposed trade-offs—reducing green energy incentives and imposing stricter requirements on Medicaid recipients—have also stirred debate over policy priorities and ethical governance.
With the Senate poised to take up the legislation in the coming weeks, all eyes are now on how the final version of the bill will be shaped. The margin of its approval in the House suggests that significant amendments may be necessary to secure broader support. Yet Trump has shown no signs of backing down, driven by a desire to have a landmark achievement ready for the July 4 deadline.
Musk’s public statements continue to generate widespread attention, particularly as they reflect broader unease about the trajectory of U.S. fiscal policy. While no longer directly involved in government operations, his reputation as a cost-cutting innovator gives weight to his warnings. As America approaches critical financial crossroads, voices like Musk’s may prove instrumental in shaping both public perception and the decisions of policymakers.
In sum, the unfolding debate over Trump’s tax bill has exposed deep divisions within the country’s political and economic leadership. Musk’s disapproval underscores the potential risks of expanding the deficit through large-scale tax reductions, even as supporters of the bill tout its promise of economic stimulus and growth. Whether the Senate will heed these warnings or push ahead remains to be seen, but the conversation around debt, spending, and government efficiency is far from over.
