The Senate narrowly advanced President Trump’s sweeping “Big Beautiful Bill,” as Elon Musk denounced the plan as a catastrophic error threatening future industries, job stability, and GOP survival.
At a Glance
- The Senate voted 51–49 to advance the 940-page tax and spending bill.
- Elon Musk warned the bill favors “industries of the past” and deepens national debt.
- Two GOP senators—Rand Paul and Thom Tillis—voted against the package.
- Provisions include tax cut extensions, Medicaid work rules, and military funding hikes.
- Final Senate vote expected before July 4, followed by a House showdown.
Musk Erupts Over GOP’s Fiscal “Suicide”
Elon Musk ignited a political firestorm after the Senate vote, declaring the “Big Beautiful Bill” “utterly insane and destructive.” Writing on X, Musk warned it would destroy jobs, prop up obsolete sectors, and drive the U.S. into “debt slavery.” He accused Republicans of embracing a “massive tax-and-spend disaster” and labeled the legislation “political suicide.” The comments echoed similar criticism reported by The Guardian.
Watch a report: US Senate Republicans advance Trump’s sweeping tax cut and spending bill
Senate Tensions and Last-Minute Bargains
The 51–49 procedural vote saw Senators Rand Paul and Thom Tillis defect over concerns with Medicaid rollbacks and a projected $5 trillion debt ceiling hike. According to Time, Vice President J.D. Vance was prepared to break a tie but remained sidelined. Senator Ron Johnson initially opposed the bill but flipped after securing spending caps.
Inside the 940-Page Juggernaut
The bill combines permanent Trump-era tax cuts with controversial new provisions, including tax-free tip exemptions, overtime income breaks, Medicaid work requirements, and reduced clean-energy credits. The Joint Committee on Taxation projects the plan would slash $4.5 trillion in federal revenue while expanding defense and border spending. While the White House touts $1.4 trillion in annual deficit savings, independent forecasts warn it could balloon the national debt by another $3 trillion over a decade.
Countdown to a July 4 Vote
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is pushing for a final vote before Independence Day, aiming to capitalize on the narrow momentum before the bill moves to the House. With Musk’s public opposition fueling internal backlash, Republicans now face a stark question: press ahead—or risk collapse amid growing fiscal fury.
