As the world's richest person with a net worth of approximately $377 billion and a key Republican donor, Musk's political influence should not be underestimated.

Written by: Ye Zhen

Source: Wall Street Watch

Musk's public criticism of the Trump administration's signature tax cut bill has 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 just stepped down as head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), escalated his attack on Trump's "Great Beautiful Tax Law" to unprecedented heights. The Tesla CEO shared a still from the movie "Kill Bill" on social media, directly urging the public to contact lawmakers to "veto" the bill and warning that "bankrupting America is wrong."

Even more shocking, Musk issued a clear directive to his over 200 million followers on the X platform: "Call your senator, call your congressman." He also retweeted a post stating that America is "quickly descending into debt slavery" and suggested drafting a new spending bill to "avoid a significant increase in the deficit" and "prevent raising the debt ceiling by $5 trillion."

This marks the second consecutive day Musk has publicly criticized the bill. On Tuesday, he first labeled the tax cut bill as "an appalling ugly bill," threatening to "oust" Republican lawmakers who support it.

Analysis indicates that 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. Musk's opposition could strengthen the resistance, delaying the legislative progress of tax cuts and raising the debt ceiling.

Musk's transformation from ally to adversary tests Trump's tolerance—however, in the face of criticism that usually provokes fierce backlash, Trump has rarely shown restraint.

Divisions within the Republican Party: Hawks reignite, establishment strikes back

Musk's public opposition has reignited enthusiasm among fiscal hawks within the Republican Party. Congressman Thomas Massie expressed appreciation for Musk's stance: "I think he will ultimately stand up." Congressman Andy Ogles also mentioned having a "friendly conversation" with Musk and agreeing with his views.

However, more Republican lawmakers have privately expressed anger towards Musk. According to media reports, a House Republican who wished to remain anonymous bluntly stated, "He is a complete joke. He has no idea what he is doing. No one really wants him here; we can't wait to get rid of him."

Another lawmaker sharply pointed out Musk's conflict of interest: "Some of the things he is advocating for now are for his own purposes. So I guess he is lobbying just like everyone else." These lawmakers hinted that part of Musk's opposition to the bill is due to cuts to electric vehicle tax credits that benefit Tesla.

House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly stated that Musk's views are "completely wrong" and revealed that he called Musk on Tuesday night hoping to communicate, but Musk did not answer.

Musk's public opposition adds new variables to the "Great 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 cannot be ignored. Musk's opposition could strengthen the resistance, delaying the legislative progress of tax cuts and raising the debt ceiling. If he withdraws his financial support for the Republicans, the party's chances of maintaining a majority in the 2026 midterm elections would be significantly impacted.

However, House Speaker Johnson remains confident that tax legislation will be completed before the July 4 deadline.

The House passed the bill last month, and the Senate is now expected to make modifications. The amended bill will need to be approved by the House again before it can be sent to Trump's desk by the July 4 deadline he set.

Trump "very angry" but chooses silence

In the face of Musk's unprecedented public challenge, the usually vengeful Trump has shown surprising restraint. According to media reports citing informed sources, 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 at a post-meeting 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 bluntly told the media, "The president can't wait to get rid of him."

However, Trump has yet to publicly respond to Musk's remarks. On Wednesday afternoon, he only retweeted a screenshot—a post where Musk thanked Trump for allowing him to lead DOGE—but without any comments.

The complex conflict behind the fractured relationship

According to media reports citing informed sources, the conflict between Musk and the Trump administration goes beyond the tax bill. The real trigger was the White House's withdrawal of Musk ally Jared Isaacman's nomination to head NASA.

Isaacman has close ties to Musk's SpaceX company and participated in the company's first private orbital flight. Musk strongly supported Isaacman for the position, but the White House's rejection left him furious. Reports indicate that Musk complained to colleagues that he donated hundreds of millions of dollars to help Trump get elected, only to see Isaacman's nomination withdrawn.

Additionally, the conflict includes the White House's rejection of Musk's proposal for the Federal Aviation Administration to rely on his Starlink satellite system, as well as Musk's suggestion to continue working for Trump for 130 days as a "special government employee," which was also rejected.

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