President Trump’s spending bill has become a focal point of debate within the Republican Party, as the White House continues to defend its provisions despite sharp criticism from prominent figures like Elon Musk. Musk, who once led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been vocal in his disapproval, calling the legislation a ‘disgusting abomination.’ His recent comments on X underscored his frustration, describing the bill as ‘massive, outrageous, pork-filled,’ and expressing shame for those who voted in favor of it.
The spending bill, which passed the House in late May, has drawn divided responses from Republicans. While it was approved largely along party lines, with most GOP members supporting it, some dissenting voices have raised concerns about its impact on the national debt and the lack of significant spending cuts. Notably, Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged the criticism, but stressed that the reconciliation bill does not address discretionary spending, which Musk is particularly focused on. Thune indicated that other legislative efforts are being planned to incorporate some of the savings Musk identified in his DOGE work.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed the administration’s unwavering support for the legislation, stating that President Trump’s position remains unchanged despite Musk’s harsh rhetoric. Leavitt noted that the president already knows Musk’s stance and that it does not alter his opinion. This sentiment is echoed by Trump himself, who has expressed frustration with Republican dissent, particularly from figures like Rand Paul, over the bill’s provisions. Trump has emphasized the need for broad support, indicating that the bill requires a significant number of votes to pass, especially in light of the potential for increased spending without sufficient cuts.