Musk’s Tax Bill Critique Sparks GOP Rift Over Trump’s Big, Beautiful Plan

Elon Musk’s sharp critique of the House Republicans’ sweeping tax and spending bill has stirred tension within the GOP, with some lawmakers questioning the tech mogul’s grasp of congressional processes. The legislation, dubbed the "big, beautiful bill" by its supporters, advances President Donald Trump’s priorities on tax cuts, immigration, defense, and energy, passed last week via budget reconciliation to bypass the Senate’s 60-vote threshold.

Musk, speaking on CBS Sunday Morning, slammed the bill as a "massive spending bill" that balloons the deficit and undermines the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he briefly co-led. His comments drew ire from GOP figures like Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, who argued the bill prioritizes middle-class families over billionaires like Musk, delivering "real tax relief" while curbing fraud without gutting essential programs.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, however, signaled openness to DOGE’s proposed cuts in future legislation, noting reconciliation’s limits on discretionary spending. A White House package targeting such cuts is expected soon. Still, fiscal hawks like Rep. Andy Harris and Rep. Warren Davidson echoed Musk’s concerns, warning of the bill’s short-term deficit impact and rushed passage.

Musk’s exit from his advisory role this week, citing the end of his tenure as a Special Government Employee, leaves questions about DOGE’s future influence. The debate exposes a GOP rift: balancing bold reforms with fiscal discipline, all under the shadow of a looming Senate vote.