WASHINGTON — The alliance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, once a headline-grabbing symbol of unconventional political synergy, appears to be fracturing as the billionaire entrepreneur publicly denounces the president’s signature legislation.
In a pointed interview with CBS, Musk — who once called Trump “a truly great American” — expressed sharp disapproval of the president’s legislative centerpiece, a sweeping package of tax cuts and immigration enforcement measures now advancing in the Senate. The bill, long branded by Trump as his “big beautiful bill,” is now facing fire from one of its earliest backers.
“I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful,” Musk said, “but I don’t know if it can be both.”
Musk’s remarks signal a broader retreat from his once-prominent role in Washington. After investing at least $250 million in support of Trump’s 2024 campaign and serving as a senior adviser within the administration, Musk says he’s scaling back both his political engagement and his financial contributions.
Government Frustration and DOGE Disappointment
At the center of Musk’s disillusionment is his work with the Department of Government Efficiency — an initiative known by the cheeky acronym DOGE. Musk had hoped the agency would slash $1 trillion in federal waste. Instead, he now concedes that progress has been minimal.
“The federal bureaucracy situation is much worse than I realized,” he told The Washington Post. “It’s an uphill battle trying to improve things in D.C., to say the least.”
The bill’s projected increase in the federal deficit, Musk warned, directly undermines DOGE’s goals. He described the legislation as a “massive spending bill” disguised as reform, and said it could do lasting harm to efforts aimed at making government leaner and more efficient.
From Ally to Agitator
Musk’s falling out with Trump marks a striking contrast from their earlier camaraderie. During the 2024 campaign and early months of the Trump administration, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO was a vocal supporter — donning MAGA-style hats, hosting his own pro-administration rallies, and turning the White House driveway into a Tesla showroom amid flagging sales.
At one point, Musk gushed, “The more I’ve gotten to know President Trump, the more I like the guy. Frankly, I love him.”
That affection, however, seems to have cooled. With Trump still commanding unwavering loyalty from much of the Republican establishment, it’s unclear what influence Musk’s criticism might have on the bill’s trajectory in the Senate.
White House officials have yet to respond to Musk’s remarks.
Looking Beyond Politics
Now, Musk says he’s refocusing his energy on his private ventures — namely Tesla and SpaceX — and stepping away from D.C.’s political drama. “I think I’ve done enough,” he said of his time in government.
Yet even as he exits the political stage, his parting shots could linger — a reminder that even Trump’s most prominent backers can become his most visible critics when the stakes shift.
