**Elon Musk Balances Support and Criticism of Trump Administration**

In a recent interview, tech magnate Elon Musk discussed his mixed feelings towards the Trump administration, revealing both his points of agreement and areas of contention. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO emphasized his ideological independence, sharing critiques alongside his support.

Musk expressed dismay over a recent spending bill, arguing that it contradicts the goals of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative aimed at reducing government spending. "I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, which increases the budget deficit rather than decreasing it," Musk commented. "It undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing."

Commenting on the nuanced nature of the tax bill, Musk quipped, "I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful. But I don't know if it could be both."

Musk acknowledged that his businesses have felt the effects of tariffs and global trade tensions but didn't delve deeply into the specifics. "Tariffs always affect things a little bit," he noted succinctly.

When the conversation turned to immigration policy, particularly proposed restrictions on foreign student visas, Musk, an immigrant himself, chose to steer the dialogue back to his areas of expertise. "I think we want to stick to the subject of the day, which is spaceships, as opposed to presidential policy," Musk stated.

On the topic of DOGE facing public backlash for government cuts, Musk defended the initiative, suggesting it had unfairly become a scapegoat. "DOGE became the whipping boy for everything," he said. He argued that criticisms of DOGE for moving too quickly without understanding the agencies it was defunding were unfounded. "I'm a proponent of smaller government, not bigger government," Musk clarified.

Musk's critical yet balanced perspective on governmental operations also extended to his broader views on government efficiency. "The government is just like the DMV that got big," he remarked, encapsulating his skepticism about expanding government roles and responsibilities.