Just when it seemed Elon Musk was settling into the strange new world of politics, he’s pulled the plug.
The billionaire tech mogul, known for rockets, electric cars, and unpredictable tweets, has stepped down from his role as senior advisor to President Donald Trump — and he’s not going quietly.
Musk Quits in Protest Over Explosive Spending Plan
Musk’s resignation came with a stinging critique of Trump’s latest legislative centerpiece, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
His issue? The sheer size of the spending involved.
Musk argued the bill completely undermines the mission of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he was leading.
“This isn’t responsible budgeting,” Musk said in a blunt statement.
“It’s a short-term sugar rush that we’ll be paying for years down the line.”
Bill Pushes Tax Cuts, Military Spending — and Massive Deficit
So what’s in this bill that drove Musk to quit? For starters, it includes huge tax cuts, a significant boost in military and border funding, and sharp reductions to safety-net programs like Medicaid and food assistance.
While Trump’s team insists this is all part of strengthening the country, critics — now including Musk — warn that it could swell the federal deficit by $3.8 trillion over the next decade.
For Musk, this was the dealbreaker. Despite his best efforts to trim government spending during his time at DOGE — which included deep cuts and layoffs — he only managed to save $150 billion out of a $2 trillion target.
“There’s no point cutting pennies when someone else is writing trillion-dollar checks,” he said.
Republican Party Shows Signs of Fracture
Musk’s departure didn’t just make headlines — it’s also widening cracks inside the Republican Party.
Several conservative lawmakers, who had already been uneasy with the bill, are now voicing their opposition more openly.
“You can’t keep calling us the party of small government while pushing through bills that balloon the deficit,” one GOP senator commented off the record.
Meanwhile, the Trump camp has doubled down.
They’ve framed the bill as a necessary investment in American resilience and economic growth, dismissing Musk’s concerns as short-sighted.
What’s Next for Musk — and the GOP?
With the bill now heading to the Senate, political fireworks are all but guaranteed.
Moderates may push back, especially with someone as high-profile as Musk leading the criticism.
And while Trump loyalists are determined to notch a legislative win, the backlash is picking up steam.
As for Musk? He’s returning to the private sector but has promised to keep weighing in on public policy — especially when it comes to government waste and efficiency.
“I didn’t sign up to watch reckless spending go unchecked,” Musk said.
“If no one else is going to say it, I will.”
Will Trump’s Coalition Survive the Fallout?
Musk’s exit is more than just one man stepping down.
It signals a deeper conflict brewing inside Trump’s political circle.
Can the President keep his allies aligned while pushing through controversial economic policies — or has Musk just sparked a full-on fiscal rebellion?
Time will tell, but one thing’s clear: Elon Musk may be out of government, but he’s far from done shaking things up.