Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and one of the most influential voices in American politics, has once again sparked controversy with his public comments regarding President Donald Trump’s controversial domestic policy bill. Describing the bill as a “disgusting abomination,” Musk harshly attacked the proposal in a series of posts on the social media platform X, where he is increasingly using his influence to shape political discourse.
In his remarks, Musk condemned the bill’s impact on the national budget and promised that politicians who voted for the legislation would face consequences in the 2026 elections, vowing to “fire all politicians who have betrayed the American people.”
The domestic policy bill, one of Trump’s key goals, has been the focus of heated debate in Washington. Known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” the bill is designed to implement Trump’s domestic agenda, which includes significant tax cuts for the wealthy, increased military spending, and a focus on strengthening immigration enforcement.
However, critics like Musk argue that this proposal would further exacerbate the already severe national debt and could lead to severe cuts to vital government programs, including healthcare, education, and renewable energy initiatives.
Musk’s fiery remarks on X, where he shared comments from Republican senators like Rand Paul of Kentucky and Mike Lee of Utah, echoed concerns raised by fiscal conservatives within the Republican Party, who objected to the bill’s projected impact on the deficit. Musk, clearly exasperated, commented, “I’m sorry, but I can’t take this anymore,” describing the bill as “massive, outrageous, full of garbage” and warning that it would lead to an unsustainable increase in the budget deficit.
He also argued that the bill, if passed in its current form, would render America “bankrupt,” further burdening American taxpayers with crushing debt.
This criticism from Musk marks a clear break from his previous support for the Trump administration. Musk, who once held a senior role overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency, had been seen as an ally of the president.
However, his recent comments signal a departure from the president’s policies as Musk begins to publicly distance himself. His departure from the administration, where he had worked to streamline government processes and reduce costs, allowed him to freely express his opinions without fear of political repercussions.
The timing of Musk’s remarks is particularly significant, as the bill is currently under intense scrutiny in Congress. After passing the House of Representatives on May 22, the bill now faces a crucial test in the Senate. President Trump has pushed vigorously for swift passage, appealing even to reluctant Republicans to support the legislation, but divisions within the party are increasingly evident.
Fiscal conservatives, such as Senator Rand Paul, have expressed concerns that the bill would only increase the national debt, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating it would increase the deficit by more than $1 trillion, even when accounting for potential economic growth.
Responding to Musk’s criticism, House Speaker Mike Johnson called the billionaire’s criticism “very disappointing.” Johnson, who was a leading proponent of the bill, said he discussed the legislation with Musk on Monday and that Musk seemed to understand its merits. However, Musk’s harsh condemnation appears to have dashed any hope of collaboration between the two.
Musk’s decision to criticize the X bill once again put him at odds with the Republican establishment, and his warning to those who supported the legislation—“By November of next year, we will fire all the politicians who have betrayed the American people”—fueled speculation about his possible role in the 2026 election.
Musk’s scathing comments not only alienated him from Trump’s inner circle, but also attracted the attention of various political factions. While Republicans like Mike Johnson rejected Musk’s position, some Democrats seized the opportunity to validate their own criticisms of the bill.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a prominent Democrat, expressed agreement with Musk’s assessment, displaying printed copies of Musk’s posts during a press conference on Tuesday. “He’s right,” Schumer said. “Republicans should listen to him.” This unexpected alliance highlights the deep divisions the bill has created, not only within the Republican Party, but across the political spectrum.
The bill, which Trump has championed as a necessary tool for economic growth, has also faced fierce opposition from multiple quarters. In addition to fiscal conservatives like Paul and Lee, environmentalists and renewable energy advocates have criticized the bill for eliminating subsidies and tax credits intended to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, an issue that directly affects Musk, whose companies Tesla and SpaceX have been at the forefront of the push for electric vehicles and sustainable energy technologies.
For Musk, who built his fortune on these innovations, it is clear that he believes the bill will hinder efforts to transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
This criticism from Musk isn’t the first time he’s publicly clashed with members of the Trump administration. In April, he attacked Peter Navarro, Trump’s former trade adviser, calling him an “idiot” and accusing him of lacking a basic understanding of trade policy. Musk is known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial public statements, but his recent comments suggest his patience with Trump’s policies is wearing thin.
For Musk, the issues aren’t just political, but also personal. As Tesla CEO, he has a direct interest in policies that promote the electric vehicle industry. Removing electric vehicle subsidies from the bill, which Musk has criticized, would directly impact Tesla’s profits, undermining the company’s efforts to make electric vehicles more accessible to the American public.
For Musk, the issue goes beyond partisanship—it’s about the future of his companies and the broader vision for sustainable energy.
