The US Senate voted 51-49 to proceed with discussions on the proposed legislation.
Elon Musk has intensified his criticism of Donald Trump’s budget proposal, labeling it “utterly insane” and predicting it will lead to “debt slavery” and significant job losses in the US. This renewed conflict follows previous disagreements in June regarding Trump’s tax and spending plans.
Musk’s remarks surfaced just before Senate Republicans, with Vice President J.D. Vance available to break a tie, narrowly moved the bill forward with a 51-49 vote.
Musk voiced his disapproval on X, stating that “The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country!”
He also suggested the bill favored established industries, possibly referring to fossil fuel subsidies, while disadvantaging emerging sectors like renewable energy and technology.
Musk asserted that the bill’s $5 trillion increase to the debt ceiling would accelerate the US towards “debt slavery,” referencing polls indicating Republican voter opposition based on fiscal concerns.
Following his departure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk reiterated his concerns about the bill’s impact on the deficit, deeming it a “disgusting abomination.”
Trump responded by accusing Musk of resentment over the loss of electric vehicle subsidies that previously benefited Tesla. Musk retaliated by alluding to Trump’s association with Jeffrey Epstein, prompting Trump to consider canceling SpaceX contracts. Although Musk later apologized, Trump indicated he was open to reconciliation.
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