WASHINGTON — In a bold move on Tuesday, Elon Musk criticized President Donald Trump’s tax reform and spending bill, describing it as a “disgusting abomination.” The tech mogul took to his social media platform, X, to express his disapproval just days after receiving a farewell from the president in the Oval Office, marking his exit from his role in the Department of Government Efficiency.
Musk’s social media post read: “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.” This criticism comes as the controversial bill, which has already passed the House, is deliberated in the Senate. The legislation threatens to cut subsidies that benefit Tesla, Musk’s electric vehicle company.
Following his critique, Musk issued a stark warning aimed at Republican lawmakers. “In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people,” he declared in another post. This marks a significant change in stance for Musk, who contributed at least $250 million to Trump’s campaign last year and vowed to support Trump-loyal Republican legislators. Now, Musk is advocating for the removal of those backing Trump’s legislative push.
However, Musk’s future political involvement remains uncertain as he previously indicated plans to scale back campaign donations, but hinted he might engage politically if circumstances warranted. His recent comments could create tension for Republicans, who must navigate between Trump’s expectations and the influence of one of their wealthy benefactors.
Republican strategist Alex Conant acknowledged Musk’s critique could pose challenges but doubted lawmakers would oppose Trump in favor of Musk. Conant noted, “Senate Republicans are not going to let the tax cuts expire,” despite the challenge Musk’s statements pose for leadership in garnering enough support.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia commented, “No matter what Elon Musk or anybody else says… it’s still going to be second fiddle to President Trump.” Indeed, Musk’s business ventures, including Tesla and SpaceX, stand to suffer if the proposed bill slashing funding for electric vehicles is enacted.
Previously, Musk expressed “disappointment” over the bill, but his recent outburst signals his growing frustration. The package aims to renew tax cuts from 2017, advance new ones advocated by Trump, and allocate $350 billion toward border and national security.
In efforts to balance these tax cuts and manage the nation’s escalating $36 trillion debt, Republicans propose cutting federal spending, which includes imposing work prerequisites for recipients of government aid. Musk’s objections add pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who already grapples with ensuring enough support for the bill within the GOP’s narrow majority.
Some Senate Republicans, known for their fiscal conservatism, quickly aligned with Musk’s stance. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky declared on X, “We can and must do better,” while Utah’s Senator Mike Lee criticized the “excessive” federal spending for fostering inflation and strengthening government control.
While Trump commands significant loyalty among the Republican electorate, Musk’s remarks have been brushed aside by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the implications, affirming Musk’s criticism hasn’t altered Trump’s position.
Meanwhile, Democrats were encouraged by the clash within the GOP, finding common ground with Musk. Democrats oppose Republican proposals to cut social programs like Medicaid and food stamps, claiming these funds reallocate to support tax breaks totaling over $4.5 trillion. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed agreement with Musk at a Capitol news conference.
In stark contrast to his current stance, the last time Musk engaged in legislative debates, his influence was ascending, with Trump joining him for a space launch in Texas and appointing him to lead DOGE. During that transition period, Musk rallied against potential government shutdown legislation, prompting Trump to urge Republicans against bipartisan agreements, eventually leading to a revised legislative pact.