On June 5, 2025, Elon Musk escalated his opposition to President Donald Trump’s proposed tax and spending legislation, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, took to his social media platform to condemn the bill, calling on his 220 million followers to directly contact lawmakers and demand its defeat. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated the bill would add $2.4 trillion to the U.S. national debt over the next decade, driven by $3.67 trillion in reduced revenues and $1.25 trillion in spending cuts.
The bill, which seeks to permanently extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, includes a range of tax breaks and fiscal reforms. Among the provisions are the elimination of federal taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security income for seniors. The legislation also limits access to benefits such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for non-citizens and mixed-status families. These changes, according to analysts, could result in millions of Americans losing access to healthcare and other federal assistance programs.
Musk’s campaign against the bill is unprecedented in its scope. In more than two dozen posts, he labeled the legislation as a “disgusting abomination” and urged the public to “Kill the Big Ugly Bill.” He warned that the bill’s passage would lead to economic instability, calling it a pathway to “debt slavery” for future generations. The billionaire entrepreneur framed the debate not as a partisan issue, but as a matter of national financial responsibility.
Opposition to the bill is not limited to Musk. While many Republicans support the legislation, it has faced pushback from within the party as well. Senators Rand Paul and Ron Johnson have voiced concerns over the bill’s long-term fiscal impact. Paul, a noted deficit hawk, criticized the proposal for failing to address existing debt burdens while simultaneously introducing new tax reductions. Johnson questioned the sustainability of promised economic benefits given the significant revenue shortfalls projected by nonpartisan analysts.
Democrats have largely denounced the bill, arguing it disproportionately benefits the wealthy while undermining critical social programs. They contend that cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will primarily hurt low-income families and seniors. Furthermore, they argue the bill’s tax breaks, especially those tied to investment income and estate transfers, will widen income inequality.
Despite the controversy, President Trump has remained steadfast in his support. At recent rallies, he described the bill as a cornerstone of his economic agenda and a key promise of his re-election campaign. He maintains that the legislation will spur economic growth, increase job creation, and put more money in Americans’ pockets.
Musk’s foray into the political debate marks a notable shift. Previously seen as an occasional political commentator, his current activism places him in direct opposition to a sitting president with whom he has had a complex relationship. Once viewed as an ally to Trump, particularly during the early days of the previous administration, Musk has increasingly voiced discontent with what he perceives as irresponsible governance.
Public response to Musk’s posts has been swift and polarized. Supporters praise his willingness to use his platform for civic engagement, while critics accuse him of overstepping the bounds of a corporate leader. Nevertheless, Musk’s influence is undeniable. With more than 200 million followers, his campaign could mobilize significant public pressure on lawmakers in both chambers of Congress.
As the bill heads to the Senate, its future remains uncertain. The tight margin of its passage in the House suggests that any defectors in the Senate could derail its progress. Lobbying efforts, public protests, and further commentary from high-profile figures like Musk are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
The outcome of the debate over the “One Big Beautiful Bill” will likely have long-lasting implications not only for federal fiscal policy but also for the evolving role of public figures in shaping political discourse. Musk’s vocal involvement underscores the growing intersection between business leadership and political influence in America today.
In the days ahead, all eyes will be on Washington as legislators grapple with one of the most consequential policy decisions in recent memory. Whether Musk’s campaign will succeed in halting the bill or merely amplify the debate remains to be seen.
