Elon Musk has launched his harshest criticism yet at former ally U.S. President Donald Trump, denouncing his proposed spending bill as a “disgusting abomination” in a sharp escalation of tensions following Musk’s recent departure from his White House role.
“I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination,” Musk wrote on X (formerly Twitter) Tuesday. “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong.”
The controversial bill, which passed the House of Representatives in May, includes sweeping tax breaks, increased defense spending, and expanded borrowing authority. It is expected to add $3 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade, despite deep cuts to social programs like healthcare and food assistance.
Musk’s comments mark a dramatic shift from his earlier, more measured disapproval. As the former head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force, Musk had previously expressed concern that the bill undercut efforts to reduce federal spending but had stopped short of outright condemnation.
Now, Musk says the legislation will saddle American taxpayers with “crushingly unsustainable debt.”
The clash comes just days after Musk formally ended his tenure as a federal government official, a role Trump had praised him for. Despite Musk’s nearly $300 million in donations to Trump’s campaign, their relationship has soured amid mounting disagreements over fiscal policy and federal priorities.
The White House responded swiftly. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed Musk’s remarks, reaffirming Trump’s support for the bill.
“The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill—it doesn’t change his opinion,” she told reporters. “This is one big, beautiful bill, and he’s sticking to it.”
