Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who recently exited a 'special government employee' role in the Trump administration, has publicly condemned President Trump's signature tax and spending bill as a 'disgusting abomination.' He is urging voters to oppose it, citing concerns about the US budget deficit and national debt. This opposition, coming from a significant Republican donor, complicates the bill's passage in the Senate, where Republicans can only afford to lose three votes. The White House is attempting to downplay Musk's criticism, while some Republican senators acknowledge his influence but still support the bill.
Musk turns on Republicans - and gives Trump's bill a harder path
Elon MuskDonald TrumpUnited StatesUS CongressUnited States Senate
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who recently exited a 'special government employee' role in the Trump administration, has publicly condemned President Trump's signature tax and spending bill as a 'disgusting abomination.' He is urging voters to oppose it, citing concerns about the US budget deficit and national debt. This opposition, coming from a significant Republican donor, complicates the bill's passage in the Senate, where Republicans can only afford to lose three votes. The White House is attempting to downplay Musk's criticism, while some Republican senators acknowledge his influence but still support the bill.
Trending- 1 Last year: Musk spent hundreds of millions supporting Republican campaigns.
- 2 For 130 days: Elon Musk served as a 'special government employee' in the Trump administration.
- 3 Last week: Musk exited his role and offered measured criticism of the bill.
- 4 Thursday (prior to article): Musk had a 'chummy meeting' with Trump in the Oval Office.
- 5 Tuesday: Musk began his strong social media diatribe against the bill.
- 6 Wednesday: Musk called on voters to contact representatives; Congressional leaders discussed the issue.
- 7 Fourth of July: Trump's desired deadline for the bill to be signed.
- 8 August: Treasury department warns of potential national debt default if debt limit not increased.
- Increased difficulty for Trump's spending bill to pass the Senate
- Potential for Republican infighting
- Risk of US defaulting on national debt if debt limit not raised
What: Elon Musk is publicly criticizing and calling for the defeat of President Trump's tax and spending bill, which he deems fiscally irresponsible. This opposition creates challenges for the bill's passage in the Senate.
When: For 130 days (Musk's role), last week (Musk's exit, interview), Tuesday (Musk's social media posts), Wednesday afternoon (Musk's further call to action, Congressional discussions), next year (midterm elections), Thursday (Musk's meeting with Trump), last year (Musk supported Republican campaigns), August (debt limit deadline), Fourth of July (Trump's desired signing deadline).
Where: United States, US Congress, US Senate, House of Representatives, Oval Office, Kentucky, Utah, Wisconsin, Alaska, Maine.
Why: Musk believes the bill will add to the US budget deficit and saddle Americans with debt. The White House suggests it's due to cuts to green energy subsidies and the withdrawal of Jared Isaacman's NASA nomination.
How: Musk is using social media (X) to voice his strong opposition and call for voter action. Republican leaders are attempting to manage the fallout and push the bill forward.