Elon Musk has amplified his criticism of President Donald Trump’s ambitious tax-cut legislation, which he argues could lead the United States into “debt slavery.” The Tesla and SpaceX chief has been vocal on social media, urging legislators to “KILL the BILL” and encouraging the public to reach out to their senators and representatives. He expressed his discontent in a series of posts on the platform X, stating, “Bankrupting America is NOT ok!”
Musk proposed that instead of the current spending bill, a new one should be drafted that does not significantly escalate the deficit or raise the debt ceiling by a staggering $5 trillion. His intense opposition to the bill originated on Tuesday when he described it, coined by Trump as the “big, beautiful bill,” as a “disgusting abomination.”
Since that initial outburst, Musk has issued over twenty additional posts criticizing the legislation or discussing related financial concerns, including the burden of the nation’s debt. His critique follows his recent departure from a role in the Trump administration, where he had been heading the Department of Government Efficiency, a group focused on reducing governmental size.
The White House has reportedly been taken aback by Musk’s public denouncement of the bill, with an unnamed official revealing to CNBC that while Trump is disappointed, he remains committed to ensuring the bill’s passage. There was no confirmation on whether Trump had reached out to Musk following their disagreement.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Musk’s stance is also influenced by the proposed cuts to the electric vehicle tax credit, which directly impacts Tesla, compelling him to voice his concerns against the proposed legislation.