Elon Musk slams Trump's key domestic bill in growing Republican rift
by By AFPElon Musk’s fierce criticism of Donald Trump’s landmark domestic policy bill has cast a shadow over its path through Congress, threatening to drive a wedge between the president and one of his highest-profile former allies, AFP reported.
The sweeping legislation, which Trump has dubbed his "big, beautiful bill", is central to his second-term agenda and seen as key to Republican hopes in the 2026 midterms.
However, the plan has drawn sharp criticism for proposing to extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts by increasing debt and cutting social welfare.
On Tuesday, Musk described the 1,100-page bill as a "disgusting abomination", escalating his opposition on Wednesday by calling on Republicans to "kill the bill" in favour of an alternative that "doesn’t massively grow the deficit".
The Congressional Budget Office estimated Wednesday that the bill would add $2.4 trillion to US debt by 2034.
Musk, who recently stepped down as Trump’s unofficial budget adviser, has previously voiced concerns over fiscal policy. But his tone has grown notably combative, raising questions over the future of his relationship with Trump and the Republican Party.
The White House downplayed the criticism, stating Trump "already knows where Elon Musk stood", though the outburst is widely seen as likely to provoke the president.
Behind the scenes, Trump’s allies have reportedly been told not to attack Musk publicly, framing his remarks as "principled self-interest".
"The moment either one sees more upside in conflict than cooperation, the breakup goes public," said Evan Nierman, CEO of crisis PR firm Red Banyan.
Others, like former Senate aide Andrew Koneschusky, warned that retaliation could backfire: "Musk has more money. Musk’s megaphone, X, is bigger than Trump’s… There’s no telling what Musk heard or saw."
Musk also condemned right-wing lawmakers who backed the bill despite deficit concerns, casting doubt on future party unity.
While Musk’s influence among conservative voters was once considerable, some analysts argue his break with Trump and growing public unpopularity could limit his sway.
"But his break with Trump and his massive unpopularity with voters makes it easy for lawmakers to ignore him," said political analyst Donald Nieman. "If anything, it helps Trump."