Musk Blasts Trump’s Signature Spending Bill as a “Disgusting Abomination”

Washington, D.C., The Gulf Observer: Tech billionaire Elon Musk has publicly denounced former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” in a series of strongly worded posts on social media platform X. The comments, widely reported by U.S. media outlets, mark Musk’s most direct criticism of Trump since his abrupt departure from the administration last week.

The legislation—dubbed the “big beautiful bill” by Trump—was passed by the House of Representatives in May and includes multi-trillion-dollar tax breaks, increased defense spending, and a provision to raise the U.S. debt ceiling to $4 trillion. The bill has sparked divisions within the Republican Party and drawn criticism over its projected fiscal impact, with estimates suggesting it could raise the federal budget deficit by $600 billion in the next fiscal year and ultimately push the deficit to $2.5 trillion.

“Shame on those who voted for it,” Musk declared on X on Tuesday. “This outrageous, pork-filled bill will massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit and burden American citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt.”

The term “pork” in U.S. politics refers to funding directed toward lawmakers’ local projects, often criticized as wasteful or politically motivated.

Musk’s remarks represent his first public break with Trump after leaving his short-lived role in the administration, where he led a cost-cutting team informally known as “Doge.” His 129-day tenure ended on May 31. Trump praised Musk at the time, stating, “He will, always, be with us, helping all the way.”

But Musk’s posts suggest growing tensions. In one of them, he wrote: “In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people.”

Asked about the billionaire’s criticisms, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “The President already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill,” reaffirming Trump’s support by repeating, “This is one, big, beautiful bill — and he’s sticking to it.”

Republican lawmakers were quick to respond. Senate Majority Leader John Thune dismissed Musk’s critique, stating the party would “proceed full speed ahead” despite “a difference of opinion.” House Speaker Mike Johnson, who spearheaded the bill’s passage, also defended the legislation and confirmed he had spoken with Musk by phone for 20 minutes prior to the posts.

“My friend Elon is terribly wrong,” Johnson said, noting that the bill’s phaseout of electric vehicle tax credits may have influenced Musk’s opposition. “I just deeply regret he’s made this mistake.”

Media reports, including from Axios, suggest Musk was also frustrated by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) decision rejecting a proposal to transition U.S. air traffic control operations to his Starlink satellite system, citing concerns over technological viability and potential conflicts of interest.

The bill further proposes extending Trump-era tax cuts from 2017, ramping up defense funding, and allocating significant resources to mass deportation efforts. While its passage in the House signals strong backing from Trump loyalists, debate in the Republican-controlled Senate has exposed deeper rifts.

Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has pledged to vote against the bill if it includes a debt ceiling increase, warning, “The GOP will own the debt once they vote for this.” Trump responded by attacking Paul on social media, accusing him of having “very little understanding of the bill” and claiming that “the people of Kentucky can’t stand him.”

Despite mounting pushback, Trump has set a July 4 deadline for the bill’s passage and signature. In an effort to appease fiscal conservatives, the former president is also calling on Congress to approve a $9 billion spending reduction plan, reportedly based on Musk’s “Doge” initiative.

Surprisingly, some Democrats welcomed Musk’s statements. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer commented, “Even Elon Musk, who’s been part of the whole process, and is one of Trump’s buddies, said the bill is bad. We can imagine how bad this bill is.”

The unfolding debate signals growing strain within the Republican Party’s ranks as the bill moves to the Senate floor — and raises questions about the future alignment of some of Trump’s most high-profile backers.