^{Photo: NBC News}

Elon Musk is doubling down on his opposition to former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-and-spending package, publicly blasting the legislation as a historic betrayal of fiscal conservatism and threatening to politically target Republican lawmakers who support it.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO on Monday labeled the bill a “DEBT SLAVERY” plan and accused its GOP backers of hypocrisy and financial recklessness. The bill, which seeks to raise the U.S. debt ceiling by $5 trillion while restructuring numerous tax and energy policies, is rapidly advancing through Congress, with a Senate vote already in motion.

Musk, who contributed nearly $290 million to Republican candidates and political committees during the 2024 election cycle, warned that any conservative who votes in favor of the bill would be met with well-funded opposition during their next primary election.

“Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame,” Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter). “And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.”

Political Fallout and Primary Challenges

While the Senate continues debate on multiple amendments as part of the reconciliation process, the final version of the bill must still pass a House vote before reaching Trump’s desk. Musk’s criticism is aimed primarily at House Republicans, who face biennial elections and are often more vulnerable to primary challengers than their Senate counterparts, who serve six-year terms.

Musk’s ability to fund challengers in smaller, district-level races could play a critical role in reshaping the makeup of the GOP, especially if aligned with populist and anti-establishment sentiments.

In a follow-up post, Musk called out two prominent members of the House Freedom Caucus, Representatives Andy Harris (R-MD) and Chip Roy (R-TX), for either supporting or failing to oppose the bill. “How can you call yourself the Freedom Caucus if you vote for a DEBT SLAVERY bill with the biggest debt ceiling increase in history?” Musk asked, directly tagging both lawmakers.

Harris, who voted “present,” previously stated that he did so to allow the legislative process to continue but admitted more work is needed to address waste and overspending, particularly within programs like Medicaid.

Bill’s Content and Musk’s Business Concerns

The tax bill, championed by Trump and some top House Republicans, proposes massive changes to both revenue and spending. It includes the rollback of several clean energy incentives, new tax benefits for coal production, and a sweeping increase in the debt ceiling that has alarmed fiscal hawks.

Musk’s criticism appears not only ideological but also connected to business implications. Tesla’s energy division, which manufactures and sells solar panels, stands to lose federal subsidies if the Senate version of the bill passes. It would repeal wind and solar tax credits for projects starting after 2027.

“The insane spending of this bill makes it obvious that we live in a one-party country—the PORKY PIG PARTY!” Musk wrote. “Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people.”

He has previously floated the idea of supporting a third-party movement, suggesting that both traditional parties have lost sight of fiscal accountability and long-term economic sustainability.

The Broader Context

Musk’s public outburst adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the future of U.S. fiscal policy. The bill’s estimated $5 trillion debt ceiling increase would be the largest in American history, sparking fears among some economists and budget watchdogs about long-term debt sustainability.

Meanwhile, proponents argue that the bill is necessary to avert a fiscal cliff in 2026 when provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expire. They claim the renewed tax credits and business incentives will stimulate investment and stave off a deep economic slowdown.

Still, opposition is mounting. Grassroots conservatives, budget hawks, and now one of the world’s most influential business leaders have voiced strong disapproval, setting up a political clash that could reshape the 2026 election cycle.

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Elon Musk’s latest political volley signals more than a personal grievance—it’s a warning shot to Washington’s GOP establishment. As Musk leverages his platform and financial firepower to push back against what he sees as unsustainable fiscal policy, the fallout could ripple across Republican primaries in the months to come. Whether his intervention changes the legislative outcome remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the era of passive billionaire donors may be giving way to a more activist class of tech-driven political disruptors.