President Donald Trump offered a measured response to Elon Musk’s public criticism of the new fiscal legislation known as the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” signaling a willingness to re-evaluate key aspects of the proposal. Musk, once a vocal supporter of the Trump administration, recently expressed concern over the bill, calling it “fiscally irresponsible” due to its potential impact on the growing federal deficit.
“We’re going to take a look at every part of the bill. Elon is a friend, and I always listen to smart people,” Trump said during a press briefing in Florida, adding, “It doesn’t mean every piece of legislation is set in stone.”
The president’s reserved tone — contrasting his usual combative style when responding to critics — suggests a careful effort to maintain ties with Musk, who has played a key role in the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an administration-backed initiative to streamline federal bureaucracy.
Musk, for his part, announced he will no longer play an active role in DOGE but remains open to contributing to public debate and advocating for government efficiency through other channels. In a post on X, he wrote: “I support reform efforts, but that doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to reckless spending.”
Musk’s criticism marks a notable public rift between two figures who had, until now, maintained a visible alliance. Meanwhile, White House officials stated the bill is still under review, and further consultations with industry leaders and policymakers are planned to improve its content.
This development could impact the broader Republican landscape, where tensions between pragmatists and populist factions continue to grow. The debate over DOGE and the new fiscal bill is quickly becoming a litmus test for the evolving vision of MAGA governance.
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