Elon Musk Targets Lawmakers Backing Budget Bill, Threatens Political Shift
Elon Musk has pledged to challenge lawmakers who support the expansive budget proposal endorsed by Donald Trump, arguing it risks increasing the national deficit by $3.3 trillion.
“Every member of Congress who promised to cut spending but then voted for the largest debt hike in history should be ashamed! They’ll lose their primaries next year if that’s the last thing I accomplish,” Musk posted on his social media platform, X.
Later, he added that if the “reckless spending bill passes, a new political movement will emerge the following day.”
The tech billionaire’s remarks have reignited tensions with the U.S. president, whom he previously supported. After stepping away from his initiative focused on streamlining government operations—referred to as Doge—Musk has strongly opposed Trump’s budget, claiming it would negate Doge’s efforts by expanding expenditures.
Following a period of silence after his public rift with Trump, Musk reentered the debate this weekend. On Monday, he repeated his criticism, stating that lawmakers who supported the bill after campaigning against excessive spending should feel remorse and face electoral consequences.
The Tesla and SpaceX executive also reiterated his call for a new political faction, asserting that the bill’s excessive outlays prove “we live under a one-party system—the PORKY PIG PARTY!”
“It’s time for a party that truly prioritizes the people,” he wrote.
Musk, who contributed $277 million to Trump’s campaign, once held significant influence within the administration. Doge, which implemented rapid and controversial reductions across federal programs, stated it saved $190 billion. However, an assessment by the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service (PSP) suggested the cuts may have cost taxpayers $135 billion.
While Musk and Trump agreed on reducing social programs, environmental efforts, and international aid, Musk has condemned the president’s latest proposal, dismissing it as an oversized and wasteful measure.
According to a congressional estimate, the Senate’s version of the bill would raise the deficit by nearly $3.3 trillion over ten years, while the House-approved plan would add $2.4 trillion. Musk has rejected both.
Beyond opposing the bill’s spending, Musk criticized its reduction of electric vehicle subsidies, arguing it “favors outdated industries while harming future-oriented sectors.”
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