On Tuesday (June 3), Elon Musk sent the GOP into a tizzy after publicly rebuking the Trump administration’s “big, beautiful bill.”
“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. “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is working overtime to push President Trump’s controversial bill through before July 4. However, unlike other extreme measures that have sailed through with Trump’s backing, this bill is too far-right for even some of his staunchest allies, including Senators Ron Johnson (WI), Mike Lee (UT) and Rand Paul (KY).
As head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk led efforts to “reduce” federal spending, enforcing measures such as mass layoffs and contract terminations.
.@SenSchumer (D-NY): "If even Elon Musk, who's been part of the whole process and is Trump's buddy, says the bill is bad, you can imagine how bad the bill is." pic.twitter.com/743qJuvPUP
— CSPAN (@cspan) June 3, 2025
Yet, Musk’s seemingly altruistic pleas to reduce the government deficit may be a smokescreen, and his grievances are likely rooted in more greed and self-interest than he is willing to admit.
Axios reports that a series of pivotal events led to Musk’s blistering criticism of Trump’s latest spending proposal.
One major source of Musk’s frustration was a provision in the bill that would eliminate the federal electric vehicle tax credit—a key benefit for Tesla. The company had spent at least $240,000 lobbying to preserve it, and sources say Musk personally pushed for its inclusion, but was unsuccessful. Tensions also mounted after the White House declined Musk’s request to extend his temporary role as a “special government employee,” which is legally capped at 130 days.
Additionally, his bid to have the FAA adopt Starlink for national air traffic control was rejected over conflict-of-interest and feasibility concerns, according to officials.
I’ve been pretty consistent in my time in the Senate: I oppose deficit spending—no matter which party is in charge. If we don’t get serious about reigning in the debt, the next generation will pay the price.
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) June 3, 2025
Fiscal responsibility isn’t a campaign slogan. It’s a duty which I… pic.twitter.com/4l4FNK1PEB
Still, it appears that Trump’s abrupt announcement on Saturday night that he would withdraw the nomination of Jared Isaacman—a Musk ally and private astronaut—to lead NASA was the final straw that broke Musk’s back.
“We have a difference of opinion. He’s entitled to that opinion. We’re going to proceed full speed ahead,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) said, per The Washington Post.
Sen. Johnson said he spoke with Musk on Monday for more than 20 minutes, characterizing the call as cordial and constructive. According to Johnson, the two discussed the merits of the House-backed spending bill, including provisions that Musk has recently criticized.
“But for him to come out and pan the whole bill, to me, is just very disappointing — very surprising in light of the conversation I had with him yesterday,” Johnson explained. “It’s not personal. I just deeply regret that he’s made this mistake.”
Following his departure from DOGE, reports have surfaced alleging significant drug use during his tenure. A New York Times exposé claims Musk regularly consumed substances such as ketamine, ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms, with ketamine use reportedly severe enough to cause bladder issues. These revelations coincide with reports that offices previously occupied by DOGE staff were left in disarray, including the discovery of marijuana, graffiti and vermin infestations.
Musk has publicly denied the allegations, proclaiming on social media that he is “NOT taking drugs” and criticizing the New York Times for its reporting.
This immense level of overspending will drive America into debt slavery! https://t.co/AuBXzJRjIT
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 4, 2025
Trump has remained uncharacteristically quiet since Musk’s outburst.
“The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. “It doesn’t change the president’s opinion. This is one big, beautiful bill, and he’s sticking to it.”
He did, however, admonish Rand for pushing back against the bill.
