Elon Musk recently shared his thoughts about his relationship with President Trump during an interview on CBS Sunday Morning. While he acknowledged that he doesn’t always agree with Trump, he expressed admiration for much of what the administration has done. Musk emphasized that although they have differing opinions, he prefers not to discuss these disagreements in public to avoid creating conflict.
Musk’s formal role as a special government employee ended last month, and he received a warm send-off from Trump, who presented him with a symbolic key as a token of appreciation for his service. The two billionaires reminisced about their collaborative efforts since Trump returned to the White House, with Trump stating that Musk would continue to be involved, even without an official title.
In the interview, Musk noted that he and Trump align on about 80% of issues but hinted that he is not in favor of the president’s protectionist policies, particularly regarding tariffs. He believes that lower tariffs are beneficial and expressed disappointment over a significant spending bill proposed by Republicans, which he feels could increase the budget deficit significantly. Musk criticized the bill for undermining the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he has been involved with, and he highlighted concerns that it would add around $4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade.
Musk’s comments on the proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act were particularly pointed. He humorously remarked that while a bill can be big or beautiful, it might not be possible for it to be both. He also addressed the backlash he has faced for DOGE’s cost-cutting measures, explaining that the agency has been unfairly blamed for various budget cuts and misunderstandings regarding its impact on social services.
In response to Musk’s interview, House Speaker Mike Johnson reached out to him to discuss the concerns raised and outlined a plan to solidify the DOGE cuts already implemented. Musk’s candidness about his views and experiences reflects the complexities of his role and the political landscape surrounding his initiatives.