Elon Musk Escalates Criticism of Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ as Senate Republicans Advance Measure, Declaring It ‘Utterly Insane and Destructive’

Elon Musk has reiterated his objections to President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” publicly demonstrating his strong disagreement with the proposal during a crucial period. While Senate Republicans hastily worked to push forward the recently updated bill, Musk used social media on Saturday to express his discontent.

“The newest Senate draft legislation will eliminate millions of American jobs and inflict significant strategic damage upon our nation,” he stated to his over 220 million followers on X. “Completely illogical and ruinous. It provides subsidies to outdated industries, simultaneously undermining future-oriented sectors.”

Musk, previously the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), who experienced a falling out with the administration shortly after his departure from the White House, reinforced his position through subsequent posts.

The CEO of Tesla characterized the bill as a “suicide pill” for the Republican party, referencing survey results that indicated public agreement with his opposition to the proposal. Musk further asserted that the legislation “increases the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, the largest rise ever, accelerating America towards financial servitude.”

Musk’s persistent disapproval of the Big, Beautiful Bill was a significant issue during his tenure leading DOGE, and specifically developed into a source of disagreement between him and Trump, his former associate whose presidential campaign he had contributed to.

In early June, he publicly declared the “enormous, egregious, pork-barrel Congressional spending bill to be a repulsive disgrace.” He intensified his efforts by urging people to “contact your Senator, contact your Congressman… defeat the bill!”

Amidst Musk’s vocal objections, Trump’s domestic policy legislation, focused on tax and spending reductions, successfully passed a key procedural vote on Saturday evening. The Senate approved a 51-49 vote to consider the bill, following hours of floor debate to persuade dissenters and obtain the votes required for progression.

Vice President J.D. Vance was present at the Capitol prepared to cast a tie-breaking vote, and he reportedly engaged in extensive discussions with individuals hesitant to commit their support to the legislation.

Republican Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky notably voted against allowing the measure to be considered.

Senator Tillis stated his inability to endorse the bill because of worries regarding Medicaid reductions and their potential impact on his constituents. “The Senate version… includes substantial modifications to Medicaid that would be disastrous for North Carolina, and I cannot endorse it,” he explained. “The Senate ought to revert to the House’s pragmatic strategy for Medicaid reform to implement work requirements while safeguarding care for those genuinely in need.”

Trump utilized his personal social media platform, Truth Social, to voice his displeasure with Tillis’ dissenting position.

“Many individuals have expressed interest in running in the primary election against Senator Thom Tillis,” Trump posted. “I intend to meet with them in the coming weeks, seeking a candidate who will appropriately represent the Great People of North Carolina and, critically, the United States of America.”

Senator Paul, concurrently, opposed the bill’s clause to increase the national debt ceiling by $5 trillion. On Saturday evening, he reposted Musk’s X message illustrating survey results unfavorable to the bill, commenting, “While we shouldn’t solely govern by polls, it is quite evident that the public does not desire this excessive debt and imprudent expenditure.”

Elaborating on his concern with the figures, he suggested, “How about this: Modify the ‘Big, not so beautiful, bill’ so it doesn’t inflate the debt so considerably? The proposed legislation, in its current form, would disburse $1000 per child to individuals like Elon Musk, and we are aware of his numerous offspring . . . With all due respect, Elon, is that an efficient allocation of our funds?”

In response to Senator Paul’s vote, Trump queried: “Did Rand Paul vote ‘NO’ yet again tonight? What is his problem?”

Conversely, certain hard-right Republicans delayed their votes until the very last moment, seeking additional spending reductions within the bill in return for their endorsement. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who earlier in the day had expressed willingness to vote against the bill without knowing its exact contents, conspicuously switched his vote to affirmative during the final seconds.

Addressing his last-minute reversal, Senator Johnson stated: “Biden and the Democrats bequeathed colossal problems that we are endeavoring to rectify—an unsecured border, conflicts, and immense budget shortfalls. Having collaborated for weeks with POTUS and his highly competent economic staff, I am persuaded that he considers this an essential initial move and will back my initiatives to guide America toward fiscal responsibility.”

The recently updated bill—unveiled shortly after midnight on Saturday—has progressed, notwithstanding the strong resistance it encountered from some factions, yet substantial work remains. The proposal will now undergo debate in the Senate, and should it pass there, it will return to the House. The schedule is exceedingly constrained, as Trump has set a firm deadline.

During the early hours of Sunday morning, Trump commended the bill’s advancement to date, expressing that he was “exceptionally proud” of the Republican party.

“This evening witnessed a significant triumph in the Senate,” he declared, subsequently identifying the principal individuals instrumental in moving the measure forward. “I anticipate collaborating with them to expand our economy, curtail unnecessary expenditures, fortify our border, advocate for our military/veterans, guarantee that our Medicaid system assists those genuinely requiring it, safeguard our Second Amendment rights, and address numerous other priorities.”