In a fiery escalation of his criticism, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has publicly condemned former President Donald Trump’s marquee spending legislation, urging Americans to lobby Congress to “KILL the BILL.” Musk’s remarks come just days after stepping down from his role in the Trump administration.
Musk served 130 days as a “special government employee,” leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with a mission to eliminate what he called wasteful federal programs. Since his departure last week, Musk has turned sharply against the administration’s economic agenda.
“America is in the fast lane to debt slavery,” Musk posted on X, slamming the bill’s projected $5 trillion increase to the debt ceiling. “A new spending bill should be drafted that doesn’t massively grow the deficit,” he added.
He called on Americans to directly pressure their representatives: “Call your Senator, Call your Congressman. Bankrupting America is NOT ok! KILL the BILL.”
In another viral post, Musk dubbed the legislation “the Debt Slavery Bill,” citing its record-breaking hike in borrowing limits.
The bill — branded by Trump as his “big, beautiful bill” — combines sweeping tax cuts with expanded military spending. It narrowly passed the House last month, with only three Republicans breaking ranks amid unified Democratic opposition.
Musk’s break from Trump has shaken Republican circles, especially given his financial backing of numerous GOP campaigns. His vow to “fire all the politicians who betrayed the American people” in upcoming midterm elections has heightened anxiety among incumbents facing primary challenges.
The White House responded with restraint. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “This is one big, beautiful bill, and he’s sticking to it. President Trump is aware of Mr. Musk’s views.”
The legislation proposes a $4 trillion expansion of the U.S. debt ceiling, with Trump aiming for passage by July 4. Treasury officials warn that failure to raise the ceiling by August could lead to an unprecedented U.S. sovereign debt default.
