SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As President Donald Trump pushes forward with sweeping efforts to reshape the federal government in his image, tensions have erupted publicly — even among his former allies. On Tuesday, billionaire Elon Musk blasted Trump’s signature “One Big Beautiful Bill” as a “disgusting abomination,” just days after stepping down from his role overseeing government efficiency.
“This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination,” Musk tweeted. “Shame on those who voted for it. You know you did wrong.”
The bill, passed narrowly in the House last month, faces stiff opposition in the Senate. Musk’s comments followed Trump’s attacks on Sen. Rand Paul, who also opposes the legislation. Trump defended the bill on Truth Social, claiming it would fuel “tremendous growth” and calling Paul’s ideas “crazy” and “losers.”
Musk’s discontent comes just as the Trump administration prepares to tighten its control over the federal workforce. A new memo crafted by White House Domestic Policy Advisor Vince Haley outlines a four-question essay requirement for federal job applicants — part of what critics are calling a “loyalty filter.”
Applicants must now explain in 200-word responses how they would help implement Trump’s executive orders and advance his priorities. Other prompts ask candidates to demonstrate their patriotism, personal work ethic, and ability to improve government efficiency.
Here are the questions:
1. Policy Alignment:
“How would you help advance the President’s Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you and explain how you would help implement them if hired.”
2. Constitutional Commitment:
“How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.”
3. Efficiency and Impact:
“In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.”
4. Work Ethic:
“How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic, or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.”
The federal hiring freeze is set to expire on July 15, but these new measures suggest that Trump plans to rebuild the federal bureaucracy with ideological alignment in mind.
Musk, once tapped to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), had aimed to cut $2 trillion in spending. But his team’s efforts reportedly fell short of the Clinton-era federal reforms, prompting public frustration with Trump’s expanding budget.
The clash between Musk and Trump now highlights deeper divisions among conservatives over spending, loyalty, and the future of the federal workforce.