Tech billionaire Elon Musk has strongly criticized former President Donald Trump’s new tax and spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination.” The bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives, includes major tax cuts, massive defense spending, and raises the debt ceiling to $4 trillion. It is now under review in the Senate.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Musk said the bill would increase the U.S. budget deficit to $2.5 trillion and burden Americans with unsustainable debt. He added, “Shame on those who voted for it” and warned that he might support efforts to unseat those lawmakers in the next elections.
Musk’s public opposition marks a major shift, as he was previously involved with the Trump administration through his cost-cutting team, Doge. He left the role on May 31, after 129 days in government.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded by saying, “The President already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill. It’s one big, beautiful bill — and he’s sticking to it.”
The bill is also controversial for extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, boosting military spending, and funding mass deportations. Fiscal conservatives are unhappy about the debt ceiling hike, while some senators, like Rand Paul, have pledged not to support it.
Adding to the tension, Musk reportedly wanted the FAA’s air traffic control to use his Starlink system — a plan rejected due to conflict of interest concerns. This may have fueled his anger.
Despite past donations of over $250 million to Trump’s campaign, Musk now appears to be breaking away, with a warning to “fire all politicians who betrayed the American people.”
