Tech billionaire Elon Musk has escalated his public feud with U.S. President Donald Trump, vehemently denouncing the administration's proposed "One Big Beautiful Bill" as a "disgusting abomination." The contentious legislation, which recently passed the House of Representatives, is projected to increase the national debt ceiling by $4 trillion, sparking widespread fiscal concerns. Musk's sharp criticism, delivered via social media, underscores a growing rift between the former allies over the bill's significant financial implications for the nation. The bill now faces a crucial vote in the Senate, where its future remains uncertain.
The "One Big Beautiful Bill" is positioned as a cornerstone of President Trump's legislative agenda, aiming to extend the 2017 tax cuts and allocate substantial funding, including $46.5 billion for border security. It secured a narrow 215-214 victory in the House, with all Democrats and two Republicans opposing it. The bill's passage is a key priority for the Trump administration, which seeks to enact its provisions by early July.
Musk, who recently concluded a 129-day tenure leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) within the Trump administration, expressed profound alarm over the bill's fiscal ramifications. He asserted that the "pork-filled" spending package would "massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion" and impose "crushingly unsustainable debt" on American citizens. On his social media platform X, Musk urged, > "KILL the BILL," emphasizing his belief that "Congress is making America bankrupt."
President Trump swiftly defended his signature bill, labeling it a "WINNER" and a "BIG GROWTH BILL," while dismissing Musk's objections. He suggested Musk's criticism stemmed from the bill's elimination of electric vehicle tax credits, which benefit Tesla. Trump further escalated the dispute by threatening to review and potentially cut government subsidies to Musk's companies, including SpaceX and Tesla. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune also pushed back against Musk's critique, affirming their commitment to the legislation.
Independent analyses, including those from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, support concerns about the bill's financial impact, estimating it would add $2.4 trillion to the deficit by 2034. Critics highlight proposed cuts to vital social programs, such as a $698 billion reduction in Medicaid subsidies and a $267 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The escalating feud has also impacted Musk's business interests, with Tesla shares experiencing significant drops and his personal wealth declining by billions.
Beyond his opposition to the bill, Musk has signaled broader political ambitions, including floating the idea of establishing a new political entity called "The America Party." He has also pledged to financially support primary challengers against politicians who voted for the controversial spending package. This development suggests a potential long-term shift in the political landscape, with Musk positioning himself as a significant independent voice.