May 28, 2025
Elon Musk has sharply criticized President of the United States Donald Trump’s latest economic legislation, calling it a setback for federal modernization and spending efficiency. The bill, formally titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” was recently passed by the House of Representatives and has stirred debate across political and financial sectors.
In an upcoming interview with CBS News, Musk expressed disappointment over the legislation’s implications for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he helped lead in an advisory capacity earlier this year.
“I was disappointed to see a massive spending bill that actually increases the deficit and puts unnecessary pressure on departments trying to improve efficiency,” Musk said.
The bill, which now awaits Senate review, extends tax cuts first introduced in 2017, boosts defense and border security funding, and imposes new work requirements for Medicaid recipients. Supporters tout it as a “pro-growth” initiative, but economists and fiscal watchdogs are raising red flags.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the legislation is expected to increase the national debt by nearly $3.8 trillion over the next 10 years — a projection that has sparked concern across party lines.
Although no longer officially heading DOGE, Musk continues to advise the department in its effort to overhaul aging government infrastructure. He recently revealed that some federal systems are so outdated they require printed data to be manually re-entered into digital systems.
“I think a bill can be big, or it can be beautiful,” Musk added. “But I don’t believe it can be both — not when it comes at the expense of real efficiency.”
Musk’s comments mark a subtle shift in his political alignment. Despite supporting President Trump during the 2024 election and contributing significantly to his campaign, the tech entrepreneur appears to be prioritizing long-term institutional reform over short-term political gains.
The Senate is expected to begin formal deliberation on the bill in early June. Several lawmakers from both parties have already voiced concerns, suggesting revisions that could scale back some of the proposed spending increases.
