Elon Musk’s denunciation of Donald Trump’s flagship budget bill has triggered a political firestorm, with Trump threatening federal retaliation and Musk vowing to reshape the Republican Party.
At a Glance
- Elon Musk denounced Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” as fiscally ruinous.
- Trump responded by threatening to revoke Musk’s subsidies and even suggested deportation.
- The bill would add an estimated $2.4–3.3 trillion to the U.S. debt.
- Musk vowed to fund primary challengers and hinted at launching a new party.
- The Senate aims to finalize the vote by July 4, amid fierce GOP infighting.
Tech Tycoon Declares Open War on Trump Bill
The feud erupted after Elon Musk publicly attacked the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, calling it “utterly insane and destructive” in a post on X. Musk criticized the Republican-led measure for ballooning the national debt and slashing clean energy and healthcare subsidies, warning that it would devastate the economy and alienate younger voters.
His remarks came just hours after the Congressional Budget Office projected the bill could add between $2.4 trillion and $3.3 trillion to the deficit over the next decade. Musk accused Trump of betraying fiscal conservatives and hinted at a political alternative—floating the creation of an “America Party” if Republicans pass the legislation.
Watch a report: Elon Musk Slams Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill … again
Trump Threatens Musk, Subsidies, and Citizenship
In a retaliatory outburst, Trump threatened to revoke federal subsidies for Musk’s companies—including Tesla and SpaceX—claiming Musk’s opposition stemmed from cuts to electric vehicle incentives. Speaking at a rally in Tulsa, Trump said, “We may have to put Doge on Elon,” referencing Musk’s past post as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump’s administration.
Trump escalated the clash by insinuating Musk could be deported, suggesting he “might want to pack up and head back to South Africa” if subsidies disappear.
Simultaneously, Trump allies in Congress threatened to investigate SpaceX contracts and impose retaliatory tariffs on imported Tesla components, adding fuel to the tech-vs-Trump firestorm.
Republicans Split as Vote Approaches
With the Senate’s final vote scheduled by July 4, pressure is mounting within the GOP. Fiscal hawks like Senators Thom Tillis and Rand Paul have voiced concern, while MAGA-aligned loyalists defend Trump’s budget as a strategic “reset.”
Musk, meanwhile, has vowed to fund challengers to any Republican who votes yes, pledging to use his vast platform and resources to unseat incumbents. His influence could prove decisive in tightly contested districts where Trump’s economic plan is deeply unpopular.
Whether this battle ends in legislative defeat, political realignment, or personal vendetta, it marks a turning point in the fractured alliance between America’s most powerful populist and its most volatile billionaire.
