House Republicans brush off Musk attacks on ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
Former ‘DOGE’ chief pressing for complete overhaul amid debt concerns
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WASHINGTON _ Elon Musk is ratcheting up pressure on Republican lawmakers over President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” causing mounting headaches for Republican leadership and the White House as they try to push the sweeping legislation across the finish line.
The former head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), who recently stepped down from his White House advisory role, has emerged as a vocal critic of the bill — which targets Trump’s key priorities, including tax cuts, border security, and energy reforms.
Musk is calling for a complete overhaul, citing concerns over the ballooning national debt and deficit. He’s gone so far as to urge voters to oust lawmakers who support the bill.
“In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people,” Musk posted on X Tuesday.
On social media, Musk has lambasted the legislation as “massive, outrageous, pork-filled,” calling it a “disgusting abomination.” He added, “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.”
Despite the fiery rhetoric, Republican leadership is largely brushing off Musk’s concerns.
Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the backlash on Capitol Hill, telling reporters, “Elon and I left on a great note… and then yesterday, he does a 180 and comes out against the bill. It surprised me, frankly. I think he’s flat wrong. I think he’s way off on this.”
Johnson emphasized later in the day the practical challenges of revisiting the legislation: “We don’t have time for a brand new bill. And I want Elon and all my friends to recognize the complexity of what we’re doing. We can’t go back to the drawing board.”
Behind the scenes, Republicans are expressing confusion and frustration over Musk’s shift. One senior GOP lawmaker told 24sight News, “I’m not too concerned about it. I think we’ll work it out.”
Another added bluntly, “I can’t explain it. Don’t really care what he thinks. I care what the President thinks.”
Still, Musk’s criticism has resonated with some on the party’s right flank. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who opposed the bill in the House and drew Trump’s ire for doing so, praised Musk’s stance.
“I just think he made one mistake — he said take them out in November. I would take them out in primaries if I were Elon Musk,” Massie posted on X.
But Republicans have largely brushed off the threat of primaries.
“I’m not too concerned about it. I think we’ll work it out,” one senior GOP lawmaker told 24sight News.
And another added that they aren’t worried about Musk’s opinions on legislation, stating: “I can’t explain it. Don’t really care what he thinks. I care what the President thinks.”
While GOP leaders in both chambers remain committed to advancing the bill, which is expected to be heavily amended in the Senate.
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The two big bullies butt bellies; some Republicans agree with Musk, more support Trump … but none, I don’t think, have read this enormous bill. Just glorified promises hiding massive defects; and Republicans are urged to take Trump’s word. What could possibly go wrong?