Trump Claps Back at Elon Musk Over Criticism of “Big, Beautiful Bill”
By Smartidiapk| blogger
Updated: May 28, 2025 | Published: May 28, 2025
President Donald Trump has responded sharply to recent criticism from Elon Musk, who took aim at Trump’s latest legislative push—dubbed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.”
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump defended the controversial bill, insisting that Republican lawmakers had no choice but to support it in order to secure the necessary votes.
“We can’t be cutting,” Trump stated. “We need broad support—and we have it. We had to get this through the House.”
Musk Criticizes Trump's Spending Plan
The conflict stems from Musk’s upcoming interview on CBS News Sunday Morning, where he expressed disappointment over the bill’s contents.
“Frankly, I was disappointed to see a massive spending bill that increases the deficit rather than reducing it,” Musk said. “It undercuts much of the progress the Department of Government Efficiency [DOGE] is trying to achieve.”
The House narrowly passed the bill just before the Memorial Day recess, with a tight 215–214 vote. Notably, the legislation received no support from Democrats.
What’s in the “Big, Beautiful Bill”?
Trump’s bill includes several key provisions:
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Extension of tax cuts from the 2017 tax reform package
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Billions in funding for border security and national defense
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Various domestic policy measures aligned with Trump’s second-term agenda
“There are parts I’m not thrilled with,” Trump admitted. “But there’s a lot I’m excited about. That’s just how legislation works.”
Budget Concerns Spark GOP Debate
Musk’s critique directly contradicts the White House’s claims that the bill would not add to the national deficit. However, data from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects a $3.8 trillion increase in the federal deficit over the next decade if the bill becomes law.
Musk, who spearheaded cost-cutting efforts through DOGE during the early days of the Trump administration, offered a blunt assessment:
“A bill can be big or it can be beautiful—but not both. That’s my personal view.”
MAGA Allies Fire Back
Trump’s allies were quick to defend the bill and downplay Musk’s criticism. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller took to X (formerly Twitter), arguing that Senate rules around reconciliation restrict discretionary spending cuts—DOGE’s primary focus.
Miller also challenged the CBO’s analysis, calling it an “accounting gimmick.”
Still, other independent estimates echo Musk’s concerns:
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Penn-Wharton Budget Model: Projected a $3.3 trillion increase over ten years
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Moody’s Analytics: Predicted a $4 trillion rise if 2017 tax cuts are made permanent
“It’s the big, beautiful bill because of everything it includes,” Trump said confidently. “Now it’s on to the Senate—and I believe we’ll get it through.”
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