By Emmanuel Kwada
Elon Musk has launched a scathing attack on Donald Trump’s major tax and spending bill, branding it a “disgusting abomination” that would balloon the national debt to $2.5 trillion. This public rebuke comes just days after Musk stepped down from his influential role as one of Trump’s closest advisers.
The bill’s projected increase in national debt, which he believes would “crush taxpayers
The bill has already passed the House but faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where a few Republican defections could spell its defeat. Musk is urging Americans to contact Congress and demand the bill’s demise, directly opposing Trump’s stance.
Musk’s opposition stems from the bill’s projected increase in national debt, which he believes would “crush taxpayers”. He also took issue with the bill’s pork-barrel spending, saying lawmakers who voted for it “know they did wrong”. Musk’s criticism is driven by both fiscal conservatism and self-interest, as the bill’s cuts to electric vehicle tax credits would impact his company Tesla.
The White House has downplayed the rift, citing Musk’s unpredictable nature and the business-driven motivations behind his criticism. However, Trump’s team is reportedly displeased with Musk’s opposition, particularly his warning that Republicans voting for the bill risk losing their seats in the 2026 elections.
Musk’s stance has exposed divisions within the Republican Party, with some lawmakers agreeing with his assessment and others remaining wary. Senator Rand Paul has also criticized the bill’s debt ceiling hike, while Representative Thomas Massie echoed Musk’s sentiments, saying “He’s right”.
As a billionaire with significant financial clout, Musk’s opposition could impact the upcoming midterm elections, where control of Congress is at stake. His criticism has also drawn praise from Democrats, who welcome the division within the Republican Party.
