3 days Ago
On X, Musk posted that the bill is ‘stealing taxpayer money and handing it to oblivion’, it would increase the federal budget deficit to $2.5 trillion and further burden the people. He also suggested he would take political action against lawmakers who voted in support of the bill, saying, “Shame on those who voted for it” and indicating he may seek to defeat them in the next midterm elections.
Growing Deficit and Political Fallout
Backed vigorously by the president, the bill is viewed as a centerpiece of his second-term legislative package. It extends the 2017 tax cuts, increases money for military operations and raises the government’s borrowing cap to $4 trillion. Musk, who departed the Trump administration on May 31 after a 129-day tenure dedicated to cutting costs with his Doge team, had previously described the bill as “disappointing,” but has now stepped up his outrage.
Trump still supports the plan and refers to it as his “big beautiful bill.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noted Musk’s criticism while doubling down on the administration’s commitment. The new measure is also set to fund mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, along with slashing spending in other sectors, including foreign aid and public broadcasting, totaling a $9.4 billion decrease as reported by Doge.
Snapback From Lawmakers and Ruckuses Around Tesla
The bill has been strongly supported by Republican leaders, who have reason to defend the tracks despite Musk’s attacks. The party will proceed with the legislation, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said, while House Speaker Mike Johnson added that Musk is “terribly wrong” and “misreading the situation.” Johnson said that he had a 20-minute conversation with Musk about the bill, and was surprised by the criticism, especially because the phase out of electric vehicle tax credits could potentially impact Musk’s company, Tesla.
It comes after it emerged Musk was angry about a ruling with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in which he forced the Starlink system to be part of air traffic controls, which was refused for being technically and ethically unsound according to reports.
Some Democrats who had previously criticized Musk and his work with the Trump administration have been receptive to his comments. “It’s notable that even Elon Musk, who was with Trump and part of this, is saying that the bill is bad,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Controversy aside, Trump and the Republicans in Congress hope to enact the bill and make it law by July 4. Musk, who gave more than $250 million to the (unsuccessful) cause of boosting Trump last election, was now railing against one of his administration’s most radical budget ideas.
