What Elon Musk said in criticism of Trump administration's 'One Big Beautiful Bill', that many claim behind his abrupt exit

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, publicly criticized President Donald Trump’s flagship bill, the "One Big Beautiful Bill," during an interview with CBS News. The legislation, a sprawling tax reform and spending package said to be central to Trump’s second-term agenda, has been touted by the administration as a transformative economic stimulus. However, Musk warned that the bill’s massive cost would balloon the national deficit, directly contradicting claims of fiscal responsibility.The interview, conducted amid CBS’s ongoing legal dispute with Trump over alleged defamation, saw Musk express frustration with the bill’s impact on fiscal policy. “I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just fails to decrease it,” Musk said. He specifically highlighted its conflict with the objectives of the U.S. DOGE Service, a federal initiative he has advised, aimed at reducing government waste and improving efficiency. “I think a vote can be big, or it could be beautiful. I don’t know if it could be both,” Musk quipped, taking a pointed jab at the bill’s grandiose branding.Only a brief clip of the interview was released on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, with the full segment scheduled to air on Sunday, June 1, 2025, on CBS’s Face the Nation. The timing of Musk’s remarks has drawn attention, as they coincide with his abrupt departure from an advisory role with the Trump administration, announced just a day after the clip’s release.According to a source familiar with the matter, Musk’s exit was decided “at a senior staff level” without a formal discussion with President Trump. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the departure as swift and unceremonious, with no public explanation from Musk or the White House. While the exact reasons for his exit remain unclear, Musk’s outspoken criticism of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' appears to have played a significant role. In the interview, he called the legislation “too expensive” and argued it undermined the DOGE Service’s mission to streamline federal spending and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.The 'One Big Beautiful Bill', passed by Congress in early 2025, combines significant tax cuts for corporations and high-income earners with increased infrastructure and defense spending. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated in April 2025 that the bill would add approximately $2.3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade, a figure that has sparked debate among economists and policymakers. Supporters argue it will spur economic growth, while critics, including Musk, warn of long-term fiscal consequences.Musk’s comments add to the growing tension between the tech mogul and the Trump administration. Previously a vocal supporter of certain Trump policies, Musk has increasingly distanced himself from the president’s economic agenda. His role with the U.S. DOGE Service, established in 2025 to identify and eliminate wasteful government programs, positioned him as a key figure in Trump’s push for government reform. However, Musk’s critique suggests a deepening rift over priorities, particularly on fiscal discipline.The CBS interview also touched on Musk’s broader vision for government efficiency, with the billionaire emphasizing the need for data-driven decision-making and reduced bureaucracy.