Donald Trump says 'disappointed' by Elon Musk's criticism of tax-cut bill: ‘I’ve helped him a lot’

Trump suggested the world’s richest man misses being in the White House and has “Trump derangement syndrome".

Updated on: Jun 5, 2025, 22:32:25 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he is “very disappointed” in Elon Musk after the billionaire turned on the Republican tax bill.

Elon Musk shakes hands with President Donald Trump at the finals for the NCAA wrestling championship on March 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP)

Trump suggested the world’s richest man misses being in the White House and has “Trump derangement syndrome", according to the Associated Press.

“I’m very disappointed in Elon," Donald Trump said. “I’ve helped Elon a lot.”

Trump's criticism of Elon Musk, a powerful ally of his, comes days after the Tesla CEO had dubbed the American president's spending bill as "a disgusting abomination".

Also Read | 'Disgusting': Why Elon Musk attacked Donald Trump's ‘Big Beautiful’ bill

“I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it,” Musk wrote on X.

Further ramping up his criticism of the bill, Elon Musk on Wednesday urged people to contact their lawmakers to " kill” the legislation. In another post on X, Musk called the legislation ‘the Debt Slavery Bill’.

"This spending bill contains the largest increase in the debt ceiling in US history! It is the Debt Slavery Bill," he wrote.

Musk’s public condemnation has come at a time when Trump is personally lobbying the Republicans on the bill in the Senate. The Tesla and SpaceX CEOs' campaign against the bill has also helped other voices rise and stiffen up the resistance, potentially delaying the enactment of the tax cuts and debt ceiling increase.

Also Read | Elon Musk, with Donald Trump by his side, reveals story behind black eye: ‘He did it…'

So far, the White House has downplayed Musk's public criticism of the bill, saying that the President will not change his opinion on it.

"The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill. It doesn't change the President’s opinion. This is one big beautiful bill and he is sticking to it,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had told reporters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.