Elon Musk Slams Trump’s Budget Bill Amid Rising Republican Tensions

Elon Musk has fiercely criticized Donald Trump’s massive tax and spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” and saying he “can’t stand” the legislation. The billionaire entrepreneur's remarks mark a major shift in tone after previously supporting the Trump administration. His scathing post on X came after he abruptly exited his government advisory role, where he served for 129 days alongside a cost-cutting team called Doge.

The bill, which passed the House in May, provides extensive tax breaks, increased military funding, and a plan to raise the debt ceiling to $4 trillion. Musk warned that the bill, which he described as “outrageous” and “pork-filled,” would swell the U.S. budget deficit to $2.5 trillion, burdening Americans with unmanageable national debt. He also condemned lawmakers who voted in favor, saying they should be ashamed.

Responding to Musk's criticism, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump was well aware of Musk’s stance and remained confident in the bill. Trump continues to refer to the legislation as his “big beautiful bill” and has assured supporters that Musk would still be involved in some capacity, despite their current disagreements.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, one of the bill’s architects, pushed back on Musk's criticism, saying, “My friend Elon is terribly wrong.” Johnson revealed that he had a 20-minute phone call with Musk about the bill, and suggested that ending tax credits could impact Tesla. However, Johnson stood firm, calling the legislation a crucial first step toward broader fiscal reform.

Tensions within the Republican Party are also surfacing. Senator Rand Paul has publicly vowed to oppose the bill if it includes a debt ceiling hike. He warned that the GOP would be held accountable for the nation’s ballooning debt. Trump countered with a barrage of social media posts accusing Paul of ignorance and claiming that Kentuckians are unhappy with their senator’s position.

Surprisingly, some Democrats have echoed Musk’s concerns. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted Musk’s critique as evidence of the bill’s shortcomings, noting that even someone once allied with Trump is sounding the alarm. As the Senate prepares to review the bill, a July 4 deadline looms, and debates over fiscal responsibility are intensifying across party lines.