Elon Musk publicly criticized Donald Trump’s tax-and-spend bill on Tuesday, calling it a “disgusting abomination” that would increase the federal deficit. Elon Musk’s worries were shared by a number of Senate Republicans, further jeopardizing the bill’s passage.
Ahead of its July 4 Senate deadline, Trump’s $3.8 trillion plan, which increases military and border security spending while extending the 2017 tax cuts, is now encountering increasing opposition.
Musk’s Scathing Criticism
Elon Musk did not mince words. On X, the Tesla and SpaceX chief posted, “This huge, obscene, pork-laden Congressional spending bill is an ugly abomination.” He went on to say, “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong.”
His tweet hit a nerve. Fiscal conservatives resonated with Musk’s complaints. Some threatened to vote against the bill unless party leaders make significant reductions to stem the $36.2 trillion national debt.
Trump Defends Bill, GOP Leaders Push Back
President Donald Trump scoffed at Elon Musk’s comments, doubling down on backing. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated, “This is one big, beautiful bill, and he’s sticking to it.”
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune also brushed Musk off. “We have a job to do. The American people elected us. We’re going to deliver on that agenda,” he said. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Musk was “terribly wrong.”
Bill Faces Tight Senate Math
Senate Republicans hold a narrow 53-47 majority. They can lose only three votes. Vice President JD Vance may need to break a tie if dissent grows.
Hardliners such as Senators Mike Lee and Ron Johnson call for deeper cuts. They would like the bill to cut deficits more drastically. Lee re-posted Elon Musk’s tweet and wrote that voters “deserve” fiscal responsibility.
Others, such as Senator Jerry Moran, wish to protect Medicaid and hospital reimbursements. Rural Republicans, meanwhile, demand protection of disability and green energy programs.
Tax Breaks May Get Delayed
The Senate Finance Committee is set to meet with Trump this week. There are suggestions from some lawmakers to delay business tax breaks—such as tips and overtime—to save in the short term.
Senator Thom Tillis indicated that such provisions must come in a subsequent bipartisan bill.
Musk’s Political Weight Faces a Real Test
Musk’s broadside represents his first big confrontation with Trump after stepping down last week from his White House advisory post. As DOGE leader, he was hoping to make big savings but came up short.
Now, his clout is put to the test again. He invested $300 million in supporting Trump’s GOP. With passions flaring, even Musk’s megaphone might be unable to move this broken Republican Senate.
