Trump's "Big, Beautiful Mess"
Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" drawing Musk's ire: Musk's verbal assault on Trump's proposed legislation.
Musk slams Trump's tax and spending bill as a vile, repugnant disaster. He foresees a staggering $2.5 trillion deficit, contrasting Trump's "big, beautiful law" label.
Following his departure from the White House, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has put his relationship with Donald Trump to the test. He savagely critiques the tax and spending bill advocated by Trump, dubbing it a "repulsive abomination." In his online platform, X, he cautions that the bill will lead to an exacerbation of an already bloated budget deficit and national debt.
Trump's bill, hailed as "the big beautiful law," narrowly passed the House of Representatives in May. However, several Trump-supporting senators have obstructed it due to their opposition to the proposed increase in the debt ceiling and demand for deeper spending cuts.
White House Downplays Criticism
In response, the White House maintained an unperturbed demeanor: "The president is well aware of Elon Musk's stance on this law," stated presidential spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. Trump remains steadfast in his support.
The package includes proposals for permanent tax cuts from Trump's initial term. It aims to be partially funded by cuts to social benefits, a move that meets resistance from Democrats.
Sanders Throws Support Behind Musk
Liberal Senator Bernie Sanders chimed in, endorsing Musk's criticism: "Musk is spot on," he posted on X. Sanders highlighted the disparity between multibillion-dollar tax cuts for the wealthy and potential food assistance cuts for the needy.
Musk Addresses His Misgivings
Musk had previously expressed more measured criticisms of the bill. Last week, he voiced disappointment that the proposed spending cuts were being undermined. Simultaneously, he conveyed his predicament: "I don't want to bash the government, but I can't stand idly by either." Now, he reinforced his harsh criticism with the declaration: "I can't take this any longer."
Musk's Influence Wanes
Musk had donated over $250 million to Trump's campaign and briefly served as a trusted advisor to Trump. In his withdrawal from the administration, he cited the rule limiting contracts for external government officials to 130 days a year. However, signs of Musk's declining sway over Trump's inner circle have been apparent in recent months.
Sources: ntv.de, as/dpa
- Elon Musk
- Donald Trump
- Tax Policy
- Budget Policy
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Tax Reform
- Social Welfare
- Shutdown Showdown
- Government Spending
- Tax Cuts
- Bernie Sanders
- USA
Enrichment Data: Historically, Elon Musk and Donald Trump have clashed over policy and governance issues, including tax and spending bills. Key points of contention between Musk and Trump revolve around economic policies, environmental regulations, technological progress, trade policies, and social welfare spending. During his time in Washington, Musk offered brief advice and donations to President Trump, but signs of declining influence have emerged in recent months.
- Elon Musk's criticism of the tax and spending bill advocated by Donald Trump extends beyond mere disapproval, regarding it as a "repulsive abomination" that could lead to a significant increase in the budget deficit and national debt.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, the ongoing disagreement between Elon Musk and Donald Trump over economic policies, such as tax reform and social welfare, mirrors the broader debates taking place in the politics and general-news realms, with Musk advocating for fiscal responsibility and Bernie Sanders voicing support for his criticism.
