Elon Musk Calls Trump’s Tax Bill “Disgusting Abomination” as Debate Heats Up

Why did Elon Musk criticize Trump’s tax bill so harshly?

What happens when two powerful figures like Elon Musk and President Donald Trump clash over a major policy?

Recently, a heated debate has sparked over a tax and spending bill that’s causing waves in Washington.

The bill, called the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” by Trump, has drawn sharp criticism from Musk, who called it a “disgusting abomination.”

This disagreement is stirring up tension within the Republican Party and raising questions about the country’s financial future. Let’s dive into what’s happening and why it matters.

Why Did Elon Musk Criticize Trump’s Tax Bill?

What specific parts of the tax bill does Elon Musk disagree with, and why?

Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, recently left his role at the White House, where he led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

His job was to cut government waste, but he now says Trump’s tax bill goes against those efforts. Musk argues the bill, which passed the House in May 2025, will add trillions to the national debt.

He’s especially concerned about the $2.5 trillion deficit increase, calling it “crushingly unsustainable” for American taxpayers.

Musk took to X, his social media platform, to voice his frustration, saying, “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong.”

Musk’s criticism isn’t just about numbers. He’s hinted at using his influence to challenge politicians who support the bill in the 2026 elections.

This strong stance has surprised many, especially since Musk was a major Trump supporter during the 2024 campaign, spending over $250 million to back him.

The White House Pushes Back

The White House isn’t backing down. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the bill, saying Trump knows Musk’s position but stands firm. “This is one big, beautiful bill, and he’s sticking to it,” she said during a briefing.

The bill extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, adds new tax breaks for tips and overtime, and boosts military and border security spending.

However, it also cuts programs like Medicaid and food stamps, which has sparked debate. The Congressional Budget Office estimates it could add $2.3 to $3.8 trillion to the deficit over a decade, despite claims from Trump’s team that it will spark economic growth.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also responded, calling Musk “terribly wrong.” He suggested Musk’s criticism might stem from the bill’s removal of electric vehicle tax credits, which could hurt Tesla.

Johnson said he spoke with Musk for 20 minutes to explain the bill’s benefits, but Musk’s public outburst caught him off guard.

A Divided Republican Party

Musk’s comments have fueled divisions among Republicans. Some, like Senators Rand Paul and Mike Lee, agree with him, arguing the bill doesn’t cut spending enough and raises the debt ceiling too high.

Others, like Senate Majority Leader John Thune, dismiss Musk’s concerns, saying the bill will drive growth. Democrats, like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have even sided with Musk, calling the bill a “disgusting abomination” that hurts working families.

As the Senate reviews the bill, aiming to pass it by July 4, 2025, the debate is far from over. Musk’s influence as a wealthy donor and X platform owner makes his criticism a challenge for Trump’s agenda.

Will this rift reshape the bill or the GOP’s future? Only time will tell.

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