Billionaire Elon Musk has called on Americans to tell their lawmakers to “kill the bill,” referring to President Donald Trump’s signature tax and spending bill. Musk’s comments reflect wider tensions within the Republican Party over the plan, which has been estimated to increase the budget deficit by about $600 billion in the next fiscal year. “Shame on those who voted for it,” Musk said, hinting that he may try to unseat the politicians responsible at next year’s midterm elections.
Musk’s Criticisms
Musk described the bill as a “disgusting abomination” and claimed it would add to the US budget deficit and saddle Americans with “crushing” debt.
He also said the bill is “outrageous, pork-filled” and would “massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion (!!!) and burden America [sic] citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt.” The White House responded to Musk’s comments, calling any assertion that the bill would lead to higher deficits a “hoax.”
White House Response
The White House sent out a “myth buster” statement, saying that the bill “dramatically improves the fiscal trajectory of the United States and unleashes an era of unprecedented economic growth.”
The statement made no mention of Musk or his tweets. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump “already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill” and that “this is one, big, beautiful bill,” adding that “he’s sticking to it.”
Republican Reaction
Some Republican lawmakers have pushed back on Musk’s comments. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the party plans to “proceed full speed ahead” despite “a difference of opinion.” Mike Johnson, the Republican Speaker who has ushered the legislation through the House, told reporters that “my friend Elon is terribly wrong.” “It’s a very important first start. Elon is missing it,” Johnson said.
Democratic Response
Democrats, on the other hand, have welcomed Musk’s comments. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “Even Elon Musk, who’s been part of the whole process, and is one of Trump’s buddies, said the bill is bad.” “We can imagine how bad this bill is,” Schumer added.