"Blunt as a Bulldozer": Musk Slams Trump's Tax Proposal as a "Pork-Filled Disgrace"
Audacious Act: Details Unveiled - Unabashed and offensive: Musk strongly criticizes Trump's tax reform legislation
Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, didn't hold back when commenting on the latest tax bill proposed by President Trump. He labeled the bill as a "disgrace" and "plastered with goodies for voters," a term used in American English to refer to political favors. Musk went on to say that those who voted for it should feel "ashamed," claiming, "You know you've screwed up."
Musk had previously expressed his disappointment with the bill in a May interview, criticizing it for adding to the already substantial U.S. national debt. Just a day after his initial remarks, Musk announced his departure from Trump's advisory role.
In his latest criticism, Musk argued that the bill would overburden citizens with a crushing, unbearable debt. Trump has touted his bill proposal as the "Big Beautiful Bill." Despite concerns from Republicans, Trump is pushing the Senate to pass the bill by early July.
The proposed bill extends the massive tax cuts from Trump's first term, which are set to expire at year's end. To offset this, drastic cuts to the healthcare program Medicaid are being planned, primarily intended for low-income and older individuals. The controversial legislation could increase the federal budget deficit by up to $3 trillion over the next decade, according to observers.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt dismissed Musk's criticism, stating that it would not affect Trump's support for the bill. "The President is well-aware of Elon Musk's stance on the bill," she said. Trump has stood firm on his plan for the "big, beautiful bill."
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, described Musk's comments as "disappointing." Johnson had explained the bill proposal to Musk during a 20-minute phone call and felt that he "understood" it.
Musk served as Trump's advisor and head of the government department for state efficiency, called the "Doge," which Trump created. Musk was often seen by Trump's side, whether in the White House, on Air Force One, or at Trump's Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago. Musk even brought his four-year-old son into the Oval Office.
Musk announced his departure from the U.S. government in late May, but stressed that he would continue to be a friend and advisor to the President. Trump praised Musk's "incredible services" and declared that he would continue to "come and go" in the White House. As a parting gift, Trump presented Musk with a golden key.
Throughout his tenure in the U.S. government, Musk oversaw cuts in jobs and spending in various ministries and agencies. He has recently expressed growing frustration with his role. His goal of saving two trillion dollars with the "Doge" was far from reached: According to calculations by "The Atlantic" magazine, only a tiny fraction of that amount was saved, despite thousands of layoffs due to radical cuts.
Musk now aims to refocus on his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. Tesla recently faced significant revenue losses and profit declines, while the ninth test flight of SpaceX's giant rocket, Starship, failed just a few days ago.
- Elon Musk
- Donald Trump
- U.S. President
- Tax Proposal
- SpaceX
- U.S. Senate
- CEO
- Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, critiqued the tax proposal by the US President, Donald Trump, calling it a "disgrace" and "plastered with goodies for voters," with concerns that it would impose a heavy financial burden on US citizens.
- Donald Trump, while pushing for the US Senate to pass his tax bill by early July, has faced criticism from Elon Musk on various occasions, with Musk serving as the Chief of a government department for state efficiency under Trump, before eventually resigning in late May.
