Written by: Ye Zhen, Wall Street Insight
Musk publicly criticized the Trump administration's landmark tax cut bill, a sudden rupture that not only exposed the increasingly tense relationship between two of America's most powerful figures but could also threaten Trump's legislative agenda.
On Wednesday local time, Musk, who had just stepped down as head of the U.S. Government Efficiency Department (DOGE), escalated his attack on Trump's "Big Beautiful Tax Law" to an unprecedented level. The Tesla CEO shared a movie still from "Kill Bill" on social media, directly calling on people to contact legislators to "veto" the bill and warning that "bankrupting America is wrong".
Even more shocking, Musk issued a clear directive to his over 200 million X platform followers: "Call your senators, call your representatives." He also reshared a post claiming the U.S. is rapidly "descending into debt slavery" and suggested drafting a new spending bill to "avoid significant deficit increases" and "avoid raising the debt ceiling by $5 trillion".
This is Musk's second consecutive day of publicly criticizing the bill. On Tuesday, he first characterized the tax cut bill as a "disgusting ugly bill" and threatened to "vote out" Republican lawmakers supporting it.
Analysts note that as the world's richest person with a net worth of approximately $377 billion and a key Republican donor, Musk's political influence cannot be underestimated. Musk's opposition could strengthen resistance and delay legislation on tax cuts and raising the debt ceiling.
Musk's transformation from ally to enemy tests Trump's tolerance—however, facing criticism that would typically provoke a fierce response, Trump unusually remained restrained.
Republican Internal Division: Hawks Reignited, Establishment Fights Back
Musk's public opposition reignited the enthusiasm of fiscal hawks within the Republican Party. Representative Thomas Massie appreciated Musk's stance: "I knew he would eventually stand up." Representative Andy Ogles also stated he had a "friendly conversation" with Musk and agreed with his views.
However, more Republican lawmakers expressed private anger towards Musk. According to media reports, an unnamed House Republican bluntly said: "He's a complete joke. He has no idea what he's doing. No one really wants him here, we can't wait to get rid of him."
Another representative sharply pointed out Musk's potential conflict of interest: "Some of what he's advocating now is for his own purposes. So I guess he's lobbying like everyone else." These lawmakers hint that part of Musk's opposition to the bill is due to cuts in electric vehicle tax credits beneficial to Tesla.
House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly stated that Musk's view is "completely wrong" and revealed he tried to call Musk on Tuesday night to communicate, but Musk did not answer.
Musk's Public Opposition Adds New Variables to the "Big Beautiful Bill"
As the world's richest person with a net worth of approximately $377 billion and a key Republican donor, Musk's political influence is significant. His opposition could strengthen resistance and delay legislation on tax cuts and raising the debt ceiling. If he withdraws financial support from the Republican Party, their chances of maintaining a majority in the 2026 midterm elections could be seriously impacted.
However, House Speaker Johnson remains confident that tax legislation can be completed before the July 4th deadline.
The House passed the bill last month and is now expected to make modifications in the Senate. The modified bill will need to be approved again by the House before being delivered to Trump's desk before the July 4th deadline he set.
Trump "Very Angry" but Chooses Silence
Facing Musk's unprecedented public challenge, Trump, who is usually quick to retaliate, showed unexpected restraint. Media sources citing insiders revealed that Trump is confused and angry about Musk's "180-degree turn".
House Speaker Johnson told House Republicans in a closed-door meeting on Wednesday that Trump himself is "very angry" with Musk. Johnson stated in a subsequent press conference that he speaks with Trump "multiple times a day" and the president is "unhappy with Elon's 180-degree turn".
An anonymous House Republican was even more direct, telling media: "The president can't wait to get rid of him."
However, Trump has not yet publicly responded to Musk's remarks. On Wednesday afternoon, he only reshared a screenshot on social media—content of a post where Musk thanked Trump for letting him lead DOGE, but with no commentary.
Complex Conflicts Behind the Broken Relationship
According to media sources citing insiders, the conflict between Musk and the Trump administration is far more complex than the tax bill. The real trigger was the White House withdrawing the nomination of Musk's ally Jared Isaacman as NASA director.
Isaacman is closely connected to Musk's SpaceX and participated in the company's first private orbital flight. Musk strongly supported Isaacman's appointment, but the White House's rejection made him angry. Reports suggest Musk complained to colleagues that he donated hundreds of millions to help Trump get elected, only to see Isaacman's nomination withdrawn.
Additionally, the conflict includes the White House rejecting Musk's suggestion to have the Federal Aviation Administration rely on his Starlink satellite system, and refusing his proposal to continue working for Trump as a "special government employee" for 130 days.
