Elon Musk intensified his criticism of President Donald Trump’s extensive tax and spending cuts package on Saturday, warning that the legislation, which Senate Republicans are urgently trying to advance, would jeopardize American jobs and future industries.
“The latest version of the Senate bill will wipe out millions of American jobs and deal a massive strategic blow to the country,” Musk posted on X, hours before the Senate held a procedural vote to initiate debate on the nearly 1,000-page bill. “It props up outdated industries while undermining those critical to the future.”
The billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who also celebrated his birthday Saturday, later called the bill “political suicide for the Republican Party.”
Musk’s latest remarks reignited a public feud with the administration he recently departed after serving as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. His comments further complicate efforts by Senate GOP leaders, who have been working intensely to secure enough votes to meet Trump’s goal of passing the bill by July 4th.
Musk has been an outspoken opponent of Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful bill” for weeks. Shortly after stepping down from his government role last month — a departure marked by praise from Trump during a White House ceremony — Musk blasted the legislation as “bloated with pork” and labeled it a “disgusting abomination.”
“Shame on those who voted for it — you know you betrayed your country,” he posted on X earlier this month. In another message, the Republican mega-donor hinted he might withdraw financial support from lawmakers he accused of “betraying the American people.”
Their clash escalated when Musk suggested, without evidence, that Trump’s name surfaced in documents related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — a claim that fueled tensions despite their prior alliance.
Musk later attempted to ease tensions, admitting that some of his previous remarks had “crossed the line.” Trump responded by downplaying the incident in an interview with The New York Post, saying, “These things happen. I don’t hold it against him.”
Musk’s renewed attacks cast uncertainty over the temporary truce he and Trump had appeared to reach. The White House declined to comment on Musk’s latest statements.
Since stepping away from politics, Musk has focused primarily on his business ventures, and his political clout has diminished. However, his financial backing — he contributed hundreds of millions to Trump’s 2024 campaign — underscores the influence he can wield if he reengages politically.
While Musk refrained from directly targeting Trump on Saturday, the president increased pressure on Senate Republicans during an unusual evening session, criticizing holdouts like Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, accusing him of grandstanding with his opposition vote, and threatening to oppose his reelection.
Despite the drama, the Senate narrowly passed the procedural hurdle late Saturday, allowing formal debate on the bill to begin.