Elon Musk isn’t holding back. The billionaire entrepreneur and former Trump administration advisor has launched a scathing attack on Donald Trump’s latest $7 trillion tax and spending proposal, calling it a “disgusting abomination” that could seriously damage the U.S. economy.
Trump’s bill—nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—is packed with sweeping plans to extend his 2017 tax cuts, boost funding for the southern border, and add work requirements for Medicaid recipients. But Musk says it goes way too far, and could send the country spiraling into debt.
“Massive spending bills are bankrupting America! ENOUGH,” Musk posted on X, his social media platform. He also urged his followers to contact their representatives and demand that they vote against the legislation.
Worries About the Deficit
Musk’s biggest concern? The cost. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill could increase the national deficit by $2.4 trillion over the next decade. That kind of spending, Musk argues, simply isn’t sustainable.
“The numbers just don’t add up,” he posted in another message. “We’re spending like there’s no tomorrow.”
Musk says that while parts of the bill may sound appealing on the surface—like tax breaks and stronger border control—the price tag is just too high.
Mixed Reactions From Republicans
Some Republicans have come out in support of Musk’s concerns. Senators like Rand Paul and Mike Lee have also criticized the bill for being fiscally reckless. And Representative Chip Roy said the bill won’t move forward without major changes.
But others in the GOP are pushing back. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the bill, saying Musk is “flat wrong” about the math. Johnson reportedly tried to speak with Musk directly to clear the air.
Trump Team Stands by the Bill
Despite the backlash, the Trump camp isn’t budging. A spokesperson said the former president fully supports the proposal and still believes it’s the right path forward.
“It’s one big, beautiful bill,” the spokesperson said, echoing Trump’s nickname for the package.
Musk’s Complicated Role in Government
This isn’t just any criticism—Musk was recently head of the Department of Government Efficiency, a position he took on under Trump. In that role, Musk promised to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget, but ended up making less than a 1% dent.
His time in the position was controversial, with major layoffs and steep cuts to some federal programs. Critics say those cuts caused real harm, especially to low-income families and veterans.
Now that Musk has stepped away from that role, he seems to be taking a hard look at what’s next—and he doesn’t like what he sees.
Public Response Is Divided
Musk’s stance has sparked a lot of debate. Some see him as a truth-teller who’s willing to call out bad policy, even from his own side. Others say he’s being hypocritical, especially after working with the Trump administration to cut costs.
But whatever you think of him, there’s no doubt Musk’s words carry weight. With millions of followers and a reputation for shaking things up, his criticism has added a new layer of pressure on lawmakers as they consider the bill.
What’s Next for the Bill?
The proposal still has to pass through the Senate, and with tensions running high—even within the Republican Party—its future is uncertain. Musk’s public opposition could sway more conservatives to take a closer look before moving forward.
Whether it’s enough to change the outcome remains to be seen. But for now, Elon Musk has made it clear: he thinks this bill is a huge mistake.