Elon Musk has criticized a domestic policy bill narrowly passed by Republicans last week, known as the “big beautiful bill,” appearing to put him at odds with President Donald Trump who has heavily backed the spending package.
The more than 1,100-page bill, which is awaiting Senate consideration, includes tax cuts, spending cuts, and enhanced immigration enforcement, with an estimated cost of about $5 trillion over the next 10 years.
During an interview with CBS News, Musk said the bill undermines his work leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut government spending.
"I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing," Musk said.
"I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful, but I don’t know if it could be both. My personal opinion.”
Musk’s comments are the latest signal that the relationship between the Tesla CEO and the president forged during Trump’s campaign is cooling.
Musk was a near-constant presence during Trump’s campaign and a significant financial contributor, donating at least $250 million. Following backlash, including protests and boycotts against Tesla, Musk is stepping back from his role within the Trump administration to focus his efforts on his companies.