In a series of posts on his social media platform X, the tech billionaire sharply criticised the bill passed by the House of Representatives last month, which includes multi-trillion-dollar tax cuts and increased defence spending, while allowing for greater government borrowing.
The legislation forms a central part of Trump's second-term economic agenda and is being promoted by the president as the 'One Big Beautiful Bill.'
'I'm sorry, but I just can't stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination," Musk posted.
"Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it," he added.
He estimated it would drive the U.S. budget deficit up to $2.5 trillion, calling it 'crushingly unsustainable.'
The remarks mark Musk's first public break with Trump since leaving his short-lived role in the administration on May 31. He had served for 129 days as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with cutting public spending.
Despite leaving government, Musk had until now remained publicly supportive of Trump's policies. His recent comments, however, appear to signal a shift, with Musk warning of political consequences for lawmakers who supported the bill.
'In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people,' he wrote.
The bill's opponents within the Republican Party, particularly fiscal conservatives, have echoed Musk's concerns.
Several senators, including Mike Lee and Ron Johnson, have voiced strong opposition to the bill's projected impact on the national debt, which the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says could rise by $3.8 trillion under the proposal. Lee urged fellow Republicans to 'use the Trump bill and future spending measures to reduce the deficit.'
Musk's intervention has added fresh tension to internal Republican debates, with lawmakers now facing mounting pressure to amend the legislation before its expected passage in the Senate by July 4. Republicans currently hold a narrow 53-47 majority and can afford only limited defections.
Trump and his allies have downplayed Musk's criticism. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the president was fully aware of Musk's views and remained committed to the legislation. 'This is one big, beautiful bill, and he's sticking to it,' she told reporters.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune also dismissed Musk's concerns.
'We have a job to doâ€"the American people elected us to deliver on this agenda,' he said.
Still, divisions persist among Republican lawmakers. Some rural-state senators want protections for Medicaid and hospital reimbursements, while others are pushing for cuts to climate-related investments.
The fate of proposed tax breaks for overtime pay, tips, and Social Security remains uncertain and may be delayed to a separate bill.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
