Musk on Trump's tax bill: 'Bankrupting America is not OK'

Musk, who was recently involved in federal cost-cutting efforts, has sharply criticised what Trump calls the "Big Beautiful Bill" for raising the debt ceiling without sufficient spending cuts.

05 Jun 2025 12:40pm
Elon Musk looks on during a news conference with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on May 30, 2025. - (Photo by ALLISON ROBBERT / AFP)
Elon Musk looks on during a news conference with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on May 30, 2025. - (Photo by ALLISON ROBBERT / AFP)

WASHINGTON - Tech billionaire Elon Musk has called on United States (US) citizens to pressure lawmakers to vote down US President Donald Trump's key tax and spending bill, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

In a post on his platform X on Wednesday, Musk wrote: "Call your Senator, Call your Congressman. Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL."

Musk, who was recently involved in federal cost-cutting efforts, has sharply criticised what Trump calls the "Big Beautiful Bill" for raising the debt ceiling without sufficient spending cuts.

He warned the measure would increase the deficit and accelerate national debt.

Members of the press (L) ask questions as US President Donald Trump (R) hosts a news conference with Elon Musk (2nd R) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 30, 2025. - (Photo by ALLISON ROBBERT / AFP)
Members of the press (L) ask questions as US President Donald Trump (R) hosts a news conference with Elon Musk (2nd R) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 30, 2025. - (Photo by ALLISON ROBBERT / AFP)

Musk had previously described the plan as a "disgusting abomination" and warned lawmakers they would face voter backlash in the 2026 midterm elections if they supported it.

Trump has not directly responded to Musk's campaign. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson said after speaking with the president that he was "not delighted."

Johnson also questioned Musk's motives, noting the bill includes cuts to electric vehicle tax credits, which could negatively impact his e-car company Tesla.

The legislation passed the House in May by a narrow margin but faces resistance in the Senate, including from members of Trump's own Republican Party, which holds a majority in both chambers. - BERNAMA

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