The bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives in May, includes substantial tax cuts, increased defense spending, and provisions to extend the government's borrowing limit.

In his first significant public disagreement with Trump since leaving the administration, Musk took to social media platform X and condemned the legislation. "Shame on those who voted for it," Musk posted on Tuesday. His comments come after his sudden departure from the administration on 31 May, following a 129-day stint focused on cost-cutting measures with his team, Doge.

Trump has touted the bill as a significant achievement, calling it the "big beautiful bill." However, Musk's posts described the legislation as "outrageous" and filled with wasteful spending, predicting that it would increase the already substantial budget deficit by $600 billion in the next fiscal year. He warned that this would further burden American citizens with unsustainable debt.

The bill also proposes to retain tax cuts introduced during Trump's first administration in 2017, alongside an infusion of funds for increased defense spending and mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Additionally, it suggests raising the debt ceiling to $4 trillion to accommodate the government's borrowing needs.

Comments from Musk have ignited tensions within the Republican Party, with notable pushback from several party leaders. Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized that the party intends to proceed despite internal disagreements. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson, who played a crucial role in advancing the bill through the House, expressed disappointment in Musk's stance and mentioned a recent 20-minute phone call with the tech billionaire. Johnson mused that the phasing out of tax credits could impact Tesla, Musk's electric vehicle company, which may have influenced his criticism.

Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky has also voiced opposition, particularly concerning the provision to raise the debt ceiling, stating he will not support the bill if it remains. President Trump responded harshly, criticizing Senator Paul on social media and questioning his understanding of the legislation.

While Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Thune and Speaker Johnson maintain their commitment to passing the bill, some Democrats have welcomed Musk's remarks. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted Musk’s criticisms as further evidence of the bill's flaws.

Despite the controversy, Trump and Congressional Republicans aim to pass the bill by the 4 July deadline, with Trump also proposing an additional $9 billion in spending cuts based on recommendations from Musk’s team, Doge, in an attempt to win over fiscal conservatives.