Elon Musk Quits Government Role Early Over Spending Bill

Elon Musk abruptly resigned from his temporary government advisory role three days before it ended, openly criticizing President Trump’s new spending bill. Musk said, “I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful… but I don’t know if it can be both,” expressing his disappointment on CBS.

Musk’s Role and Reason for Leaving

Musk served as a Special Government Employee in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aiming to cut federal waste and costs. His term was set to end May 28, but after seeing the new spending plan, he quit early. He explained, “I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill. Frankly, it increases the budget deficit, not decreases it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing.”

The “Big, Beautiful Bill” and Its Controversy

Trump’s spending bill, nicknamed the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” includes large defense funding, corporate tax breaks, and money for a missile defense system. Critics warn it could add $600 billion to the deficit next year, contradicting the government’s goal to reduce waste. Musk thanked Trump for the chance to help reduce spending but emphasized, “The DOGE mission will only grow stronger as it becomes a way of life across government.”

Future of DOGE and Political Fallout

Musk and his DOGE partner Vivek Ramaswamy planned deep federal cuts, including layoffs and shutting down departments by 2026. With Musk’s departure, the initiative’s future is uncertain. The White House sped up his exit after his public critique, and Trump responded with a cryptic meme hinting at ongoing conflict. Musk’s exit highlights a growing rift between him and Trump, despite past alignment. Musk concluded, “It’s not about a title. It’s about changing the culture of waste.”