Tech billionaire Elon Musk sparked political waves on Tuesday after openly criticizing former President Donald Trump’s proposed agenda bill. Musk didn’t hold back. In a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter), he described the bill as a “disgusting abomination.”
“I can’t stay silent anymore,” Musk wrote. “This huge, reckless spending bill is full of waste. It’s shameful. Those who supported it — you know better.”
He didn’t stop there.
In follow-up posts, Musk accused Congress of leading the country into financial disaster. “Congress is making America bankrupt,” he wrote. “In the next election, we must vote out everyone who betrayed the people.”
White House Caught Off Guard
Sources close to the White House admitted they were surprised by Musk’s strong public attack. Although officials were aware that Musk didn’t support the bill, they didn’t expect him to go this hard — especially considering his recent talks with lawmakers and White House aides.
This isn’t Musk’s first jab at the bill either. Just last week, he voiced his disappointment after House Republicans passed the package. Musk warned it would only worsen the national debt and hurt efforts by his Government Efficiency team.
Strong Reactions from Trump Allies
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to downplay the criticism during her briefing.
“The president knows where Elon stands. But it doesn’t change anything,” she said. “President Trump still believes this is a great bill and stands by it fully.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson also responded quickly. “Elon is completely wrong on this,” Johnson told reporters. He added that the two spoke the day before and had what he called a “friendly” conversation.
According to Johnson, Musk seemed more focused on electric vehicle mandates, which are impacted by the bill. “I’m disappointed,” he said. “After our chat, I didn’t expect this public slam.”
Tesla, Musk’s company, has long benefited from federal tax credits — up to $7,500 for eligible EVs made in the U.S. Those incentives would disappear if the Republican-backed bill becomes law.
GOP Pushes Forward Despite Backlash
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who’s working to get the bill passed by July 4, dismissed Musk’s comments as a “difference of opinion.”
“We’re still moving full speed ahead,” Thune said.
Musk recently stepped down from his short-lived government role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Just days later, he launched his attack on the bill.
Rand Paul Backs Musk
Not long after Musk posted, Republican Senator Rand Paul joined in, saying he agrees with Musk. “We’ve both seen the government waste money. Adding $5 trillion more in debt is not the answer,” Paul said on X.
Paul has already raised red flags about the bill’s cost. He told CNN he had a “lengthy talk” with Trump this week and warned he won’t support the bill if it includes raising the debt ceiling.
“It’s not conservative,” Paul said. “I told him I could consider backing the rest of the bill — but not with the debt ceiling increase still attached.”
Still, Senate leaders seem determined to pass the legislation before Independence Day. They’re making some changes but so far, they’re keeping the debt ceiling provision.
What’s Next?
With key Republicans like Musk and Paul speaking out, pressure is building in Washington. Trump is counting on GOP senators to rally behind the bill. But cracks are showing.
Musk’s loud opposition may influence more lawmakers to push back — or at least ask for changes.
As the July 4 deadline approaches, this political fight is far from over.
