Trump Criticizes Musk Amid GOP Tax Bill Clash

Background on Trump-Musk Relationship

The relationship between former President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk was once marked by mutual alignment. Musk had previously endorsed Trump’s policies, even serving as a key advisor on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during Trump’s administration. Musk also supported Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, contributing significantly to his re-election efforts.

However, the introduction of the GOP tax bill, officially named the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," has strained their alliance. The bill includes sweeping tax cuts touted by Trump as the largest in U.S. history but also proposes significant reductions in federal EV incentives. These incentives have been critical to Tesla’s growth and the broader adoption of electric vehicles in the U.S. The legislation also faces criticism for potentially adding trillions to the national debt, further fueling divisions between the two influential figures.

Key Points of Disagreement

Musk has openly criticized the GOP tax bill, particularly its impact on EV incentives, which he argues would disproportionately harm the electric vehicle industry while leaving oil and gas subsidies untouched. He labeled the bill a "disgusting abomination" on social media, citing concerns over its projected $2.4 trillion addition to the national debt, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

Trump, on the other hand, has vigorously defended the bill, describing it as a transformative economic measure. In public statements, he emphasized its role in fostering economic growth and reducing tax burdens across industries. Trump also downplayed Musk’s concerns, attributing the billionaire’s discontent to the reduction in federal support for EVs, a sector that Trump suggested was overly reliant on subsidies.

Escalation of the Dispute

The disagreement escalated as Musk took to social media to express frustration over the bill’s perceived lack of transparency. Musk claimed that the legislation was rushed through Congress without adequate review, stating it was "passed dead of night" and criticizing its inclusion of unrelated spending provisions, which he called “pork barrel” additions.

Trump has since expressed disappointment in Musk’s public opposition, labeling it as unexpected given their prior collaboration. In press statements, Trump highlighted Musk’s previous praise for him and noted that Musk had been aware of the bill’s provisions well in advance. Trump described Musk’s current stance as a “sudden problem,” suggesting the dispute reflects shifting priorities rather than substantive disagreements over the bill itself. The fallout underscores the growing rift between two figures who once shared a common political and economic agenda.