Elon Musk’s blistering criticism of the House-passed GOP megabill has sparked polarized reactions within the Republican Party. While some hard-line deficit hawks such as Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) praised Musk for highlighting the bill’s fiscal irresponsibility, others like Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La) believe there is still room for adjustments. The megabill, which faced significant challenges in the House due to its trillion-dollar deficit impact, is now in the Senate, where bipartisan efforts might be required for its survival.
Several high-profile hard-liners, including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), quickly echoed Musk’s criticism, with Massie calling Musk’s comments “right.” Harris suggested that while Musk’s perspective might not sway all lawmakers, the input from those with real-world experience remains valuable. However, most Republican senators, even the most conservative, have not shared Musk’s blunt assessment. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), for instance, maintained that the Senate could make substantial improvements to the bill before finalizing it.
The bill’s future now hangs in the balance as it faces scrutiny from both chambers. President Trump, who has been a strong advocate for the package, has already publicly criticized opponents like Rep. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) on his platform for expressing concerns. Trump’s push for the bill to pass with components such as raising the debt ceiling and expanding border wall funding has added another layer of complexity to the discussion. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), a key deficit hawk, acknowledged Musk’s post as a useful critique but stressed that Trump’s broader fiscal agenda remains a critical factor in the debate.
As the megabill moves through the Senate, the political dynamics within the GOP continue to evolve. While some hard-liners see Musk’s comments as a wake-up call, others remain committed to salvaging the bill. The ultimate outcome will likely depend on how effectively the Senate can balance Trump’s demands with the concerns of its own members, particularly those focused on fiscal responsibility and long-term economic stability.