On Tuesday, Elon Musk launched a scathing critique of President Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill, labeling the current Republican megabill making its way through Congress as a "disgusting abomination." In an impassioned post on his X social media platform, Musk expressed his discontent, stating, "I'm sorry, but I just can't stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it."
Musk's remarks come at a pivotal juncture for the GOP legislation, as Republicans in the Senate gear up to tackle the multi-trillion-dollar package of tax and spending cuts. This ambitious proposal narrowly cleared the House in May, and the party can only afford to lose three votes in order to successfully pass the package. The stakes are high, and Musk's vocal opposition adds pressure to an already contentious debate.
Prior to Musk's comments, several lawmakers had already voiced concerns similar to his regarding the bill's exorbitant cost. This latest criticism marks not the first occasion Musk has spoken out against the legislation, which Republicans have branded the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." During an interview with CBS last week, he expressed disappointment over the package's financial implications, stating, "I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing."
Musk's ongoing criticism poses challenges for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., who is determined to deliver the bill to President Trump's desk by July 4. Thune remarked that he believes Musk's disapproval is tied to an estimate from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which suggests the bill could add a staggering $2.3 trillion to the deficit over the next decade. However, Thune contended that this initial estimate does not take into account potential economic growth resulting from the policy changes proposed in the bill. The CBO is expected to provide further details in the coming days, and Thune expressed hope that Musk would reconsider his stance upon reviewing those figures.
Thune also emphasized that elected Republicans campaigned on promises to extend the 2017 tax cuts, bolster border security, invest in the military, and enhance U.S. energy production. Despite this, Musk's criticism has resonated with others within the GOP. Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, responded to Musk's post by insisting, "The Senate must make this bill better." Similarly, Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin has threatened to withhold his vote unless Republicans agree to revert spending to pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has indicated he will vote no if the final bill includes a provision to lift the nation's borrowing limit.
Paul's opposition elicited a sharp response from President Trump, who took to social media to label Paul's ideas as "actually crazy (losers!)." In contrast, the White House's response to Musk's critique was notably more subdued, highlighting the potential rift between the administration and influential figures like Musk.
As the debate continues, Musk's vocal opposition could significantly impact the GOP's efforts to pass this crucial legislation. With the potential for internal dissent and public criticism, the future of the bill remains uncertain. The coming weeks will be critical as lawmakers navigate the complexities of this multi-trillion-dollar proposal amid growing scrutiny from both within and outside the party.
