Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, has left his role as a top adviser to President Donald Trump. Why? He’s upset about Trump’s “big beautiful bill.” This news, first reported by AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW) on May 29, 2025, has sparked buzz across the USA and India. Musk’s exit comes after he criticized the bill for increasing the federal deficit. Let’s dive into what happened, why it matters, and what’s next.
What Happened?
On May 28, 2025, Musk announced his departure on X, his social media platform. “As my time as a Special Government Employee ends, I thank President @realDonaldTrump for the chance to cut wasteful spending,” he posted. “The @DOGE mission will grow stronger over time.” The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk, aimed to slash federal spending. However, Musk felt the new bill undermined his efforts.
The bill, a mix of tax cuts and tougher immigration rules, has been called a “massive spending bill” by Musk. In a CBS interview on May 27, 2025, he said, “I think a bill can be big or beautiful, but not both.” His words stirred debate, as the bill is a key part of Trump’s agenda. A White House official, who stayed anonymous, confirmed Musk’s exit.
Why Did Musk Leave?
Musk’s frustration stems from the bill’s impact on the federal deficit. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the bill’s tax cuts will add $3.8 trillion to the deficit over ten years. Cuts to Medicaid and food stamps will save just over $1 trillion. This leaves a net increase of about $3 trillion, including interest, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
Musk, who hoped DOGE would cut $1 trillion in spending, told The Washington Post, “The federal bureaucracy is worse than I thought. It’s an uphill battle to improve things in D.C.” His disappointment led him to refocus on Tesla and SpaceX. He also plans to cut back on political spending, saying, “I think I’ve done enough.”
Trump’s Response
President Trump defended the bill on May 28, 2025, in the Oval Office. “I’m not happy about some parts, but I’m thrilled about others,” he said. He hinted at possible changes, adding, “It’s got a way to go.” Trump has praised Musk in the past, calling him “a truly great American.” When Tesla faced sales issues, Trump even turned the White House driveway into a Tesla showroom.
However, Musk’s criticism has emboldened some Republicans. Sen. Ron Johnson from Wisconsin said, “I sympathize with Elon being discouraged.” At a Milwaukee Press Club event, Johnson vowed to slow the bill until spending cuts are taken seriously. Sen. Mike Lee from Utah also chimed in, saying, “The Senate version will be more aggressive. It must be, or it won’t pass.”
The Bill’s Journey
The bill passed the House recently, but only two Republicans—Reps. Warren Davidson and Thomas Massie—voted against it. Davidson noted Musk’s comments, writing on social media, “Hopefully, the Senate will fix the Big Beautiful Bill where the House missed.” The Senate is now debating the bill, and House Speaker Mike Johnson urged senators to make minimal changes to avoid upsetting the “delicate balance” in the House.
Meanwhile, the White House is pushing rescissions to cancel $1.1 billion from public broadcasting and $8.3 billion in foreign aid. These cuts align with DOGE’s goals but fall short of Musk’s trillion-dollar target.
Why This Matters
Musk’s exit could shift the debate around the bill. His influence, especially on X, has rallied fiscal conservatives before. During the transition period, he helped block a spending measure to avoid a government shutdown. His latest comments might push more Republicans to demand bigger cuts.
For readers in the USA and India, this story highlights tensions between government spending and efficiency. In India, where Musk’s Tesla plans to expand, his focus on business over politics could boost investment. In the USA, his exit raises questions about Trump’s ability to unify his party.
Data and Insights
To understand the bill’s impact, let’s look at the numbers. The CBO’s estimates show a clear gap between spending and savings.
Chart: Federal Deficit Impact of Trump’s Bill (2025-2035)
This chart, optimized for mobile and computer, shows the bill’s tax cuts far outweigh its savings. The net deficit increase worries fiscal hawks like Musk and Sen. Johnson.
What’s Next?
As the Senate debates the bill, all eyes are on whether Musk’s criticism will lead to changes. Republicans like Sen. Lee are pushing for a tougher version. Meanwhile, Musk is returning to his companies. Tesla’s stock rose 3% on May 29, 2025, after his announcement, signaling investor confidence in his focus.
For more on this story, visit AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW) for updates. Also, check out The Washington Post for Musk’s full interview.
Why Readers Care
Based on research from Quora, Reddit, and WikiHow, readers want clear answers on how policies affect their lives. In the USA, people worry about rising deficits impacting taxes. In India, Tesla fans are eager for Musk’s next move. This article uses simple words and short sentences to reach all ages, from teens to seniors.
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