Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur known for his disruptive influence in both technology and politics, is once again turning up the heat in Washington. On Monday, Musk issued a stark warning to Republican lawmakers who support the so-called “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” a sprawling, 900-plus-page spending package currently making its way through Congress. Musk, once a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, now says he will dedicate himself to ensuring that any GOP member who votes for the bill loses their primary race.
“Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame!” Musk posted on X. “And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.”
This marks a notable reversal for Musk, who previously donated over $250 million to Trump and Republican candidates and briefly served as the figurehead of a government efficiency initiative within the current administration. Musk has shifted sharply, frustrated with what he sees as unrestrained spending and broken promises from Republican leadership.
Among his criticisms, Musk also took aim at the House Freedom Caucus, a group known for its fiscal hawkishness, accusing them of abandoning their principles. He also expressed concern about the bill’s potential to eliminate green energy tax credits, which could impact Tesla customers. In a burst of rhetoric, Musk floated the idea of launching a new political party. “Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people,” he wrote. “If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day.”
While Trump has also issued threats of political retaliation—primarily against Republicans who oppose the bill—Musk’s approach targets those pushing the legislation forward. The pressure appears to be having an effect. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who was reportedly a target of Musk’s criticism, announced on Sunday that he would not seek re-election. Musk has thrown his support behind Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), another critic of the bill.
Despite internal conflict, GOP leaders are pressing ahead. The bill seeks to fulfill key goals of Trump’s second-term agenda, including making permanent the 2017 tax cuts, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, expanding border security funding, and streamlining American energy regulations. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) called the legislation “JET FUEL” for the U.S. economy and touted its potential to stimulate job creation.
Still, the process hasn’t been without complications. After passing the House in May, several provisions were revised due to Senate reconciliation rules. As the bill navigates a complex vote-a-rama in the upper chamber, some reforms—such as Sen. John Cornyn’s proposal to penalize states that offer Medicaid to illegal immigrants accused of serious crimes—are likely to be dropped.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), who was among those Musk criticized, didn’t hold back. He slammed Senate Republicans, suggesting they were more concerned with corporate subsidies than addressing the national debt. “We’d be in a much better spot if Republican Senators (applying for K St) showed half as much passion for tackling $37 trillion in debt and inflation as they do for preserving [President Joe] Biden’s green subsidies,” he wrote.
