How Trump’s Signature Bill Sparked a Rift Among Billionaires

Elon Musk, once a close ally of Donald Trump and vocal supporter of slashing excessive government spending through the DOGE initiative, has officially stepped down—just 130 days after joining.

The two billionaires had frequently appeared together at interviews and press events, sparking speculation about a powerful partnership in shaping future economic policy. But something shifted.

At the heart of the fallout is Trump’s controversial "One Big Beautiful Bill."

Just two days ago, Musk publicly criticized the bill, remarking that it could be “either big or beautiful”—but not both. Trump, however, doubled down, telling reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday that he’s “thrilled” with the bill, especially its tax cut provisions.

The split signals growing tension within Trump’s inner circle over the direction of his economic agenda.

The legislation, officially named the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA), spans over a thousand pages and has stirred significant debate in Washington.

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved the bill in a tight 215-214 vote. The OBBBA now moves to the Senate for consideration.

At its core, the bill delivers multi-trillion dollar tax breaks and commits to ramping up defense spending. It also extends or makes permanent several provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that were set to expire under existing law.

In addition, the bill introduces new measures, including stricter federal benefits eligibility requirements and a controversial increase to the national debt ceiling—key points that fueled division during the House vote.