Saptrishi Soni :
Elon Musk has publicly criticized Donald Trump’s newly proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, calling it a “massive spending bill” that would increase the federal deficit and undermine the work of his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk’s comments mark a significant fracture in their relationship, which was forged during Trump’s presidential campaign.¹ ²
The Bill’s Provisions
The proposed bill includes³:
– *Tax Cuts*: Extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and increasing the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000
– *Immigration Enforcement*: Stricter border security measures
– *Spending*: Increased defense spending and cuts to social programs like Medicaid and food stamps
Musk’s Criticism
Musk expressed disappointment with the bill, stating it would⁴:
– Increase the federal deficit by $3.8 trillion over the next decade
– Undermine the work of DOGE, which aimed to reduce government spending and increase efficiency
– Contradict his mission to cut unnecessary costs and reduce the size of government
Impact on Trump’s Legislative Agenda
Musk’s criticism may influence the legislative debate, particularly among fiscal conservatives. The bill has already passed the House but faces scrutiny in the Senate, where some Republicans are pushing for more aggressive spending cuts.
Reaction from Trump and Others
Trump defended the bill, acknowledging it’s not perfect but worth passing. Senator Mike Lee of Utah responded favorably to Musk’s comments, saying the Senate version “must be more aggressive” on spending cuts.
What’s Next
The bill’s fate remains uncertain as it moves forward in the Senate. Musk’s criticism may embolden Republicans who want bigger spending cuts, potentially affecting the bill’s final version.
