Tech billionaire Elon Musk has officially stepped down from his advisory position in the Trump administration, citing deep concerns over the recently passed tax and spending legislation known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who had been appointed head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), made the announcement via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirming his departure was directly tied to what he called “fiscal irresponsibility” in the latest bill.

Musk Breaks with Trump Over Surging Federal Deficit

Elon Musk’s resignation marks a significant political shift, as he had initially accepted the advisory position under Trump’s promise to streamline government operations and curb excessive federal spending.

However, with the passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill," Musk said his core mission had been undermined.

“I agreed to serve in the Trump administration with the hope of reducing wasteful government spending. Unfortunately, this bill adds $3.8 trillion to the deficit over the next decade,” Musk wrote. “I can’t support that.”

What Is the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and Why It Sparked Controversy

The sweeping tax and spending package, championed by President Trump and recently passed by Congress, includes broad tax cuts, major infrastructure spending, and increased military funding. Supporters hail it as a growth catalyst, but critics—including fiscal conservatives and now Musk—warn it dramatically inflates the federal deficit.

“This is not sustainable,” Musk added. “We are mortgaging the future for short-term applause.”

His comments have ignited fresh debate within the Republican Party over whether the bill aligns with traditional conservative values of limited government and fiscal prudence.

Political Fallout and Industry Reactions

While the White House has not issued an official response, several GOP lawmakers acknowledged Musk’s criticism. Some, like Sen. Rand Paul and Rep. Thomas Massie, echoed his concerns, calling for more transparency and cuts to offset the massive spending increases.

In Silicon Valley, Musk’s exit was met with a mix of support and relief. Many in the tech industry had questioned his involvement with the Trump administration, especially after past controversies involving climate policy, immigration, and trade.

Musk Shifts Focus Back to Tesla, SpaceX, and AI Initiatives

Elon Musk has made it clear that his attention will now return to the private sector. In his statement, he also noted he would be “scaling back all political donations for the foreseeable future” and would not take any additional government advisory roles.

This pivot comes at a time when Tesla is expanding its AI and robotics programs, SpaceX is preparing for its next Starship launch, and xAI—Musk’s artificial intelligence startup—is in active development.

Conclusion: A High-Profile Exit with Long-Term Implications

Musk’s resignation from the Trump administration highlights the growing tension between populist political rhetoric and real-world fiscal accountability. As one of the most influential voices in technology and business, his departure may prompt renewed scrutiny of the administration’s economic agenda.

While his tenure in government was brief, Elon Musk’s exit sends a clear message: even tech titans have limits when it comes to trillion-dollar decisions.

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