Elon Musk Criticizes Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ Over Deficit Concerns

Elon Musk, President Trump’s top government efficiency advisor, voiced rare public disappointment this week over the recently passed “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” warning that it may unravel billions in savings secured through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative.

In a preview of his upcoming CBS Sunday Morning interview, Musk didn’t hold back. “I was like disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decrease it. And it undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing,” he told correspondent David Pogue.

The House narrowly passed the sweeping legislation last week with a 215–214 vote, setting the stage for a contentious showdown in the Republican-led Senate. Despite praising the bill’s overall goals, Musk expressed concern about its sheer size and fiscal scope.

“I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful, but I don’t know if it can be both,” Musk quipped.

Here’s what’s inside the “Big, Beautiful Bill”:

• A border security surge, including funds to finish the Trump Wall.

• Defense modernization and energy expansion with “America First” sourcing.

• A debt ceiling hike of several trillion dollars.

• Permanent extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, due to expire this year.

• $1.6 trillion in projected savings through entitlement reform and program cuts, according to budget director Russell Vought.

Musk’s concerns revolve around whether those savings can truly be realized, given the bill’s front-loaded spending and its potential to swell the already bloated federal deficit which crossed the $1 trillion mark under Biden and hasn’t looked back.

Under Musk’s leadership, DOGE has already achieved an estimated $175 billion in waste reduction across dozens of agencies. Some lawmakers are even pushing to codify the “DOGE cuts” into permanent law to protect them from being wiped out by future budget deals.

Musk stepped back from day-to-day DOGE duties last month to focus more on his private ventures, but he remains heavily involved behind the scenes. Trump praised Musk’s role in a recent cabinet meeting, telling him, “You’re invited to stay as long as you want.”

Despite his fiscal critique, Musk remains a Trump ally and continues to support the administration’s overall vision. This isn’t a falling out it’s a course correction from one of the few voices in Washington still willing to fight for actual efficiency.

Trump himself welcomed revisions, saying after the bill’s passage, “Let the Senate make the changes they want.” It’s a rare moment of openness, and one that suggests Musk’s comments may influence real adjustments.

While the media spins this as a “rift,” it’s actually a sign of how mature, accountable leadership should operate. Disagreements over policy details are healthy especially when they come from those who’ve actually saved taxpayers money.

Share this with anyone who supports smarter, not just bigger, government and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on how the DOGE reforms are reshaping Washington.