President Donald Trump issued a stern warning on Tuesday, threatening a ‘whopping 68% tax increase’ if the Senate fails to pass his comprehensive ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ The legislation, which includes sweeping tax cuts, border security enhancements, and a $4.5 trillion domestic spending plan, faces bipartisan resistance, with key Republicans like Sen. Thom Tillis and Sen. Rand Paul opposing it. The Senate is in the midst of a marathon ‘vote-a-rama,’ with lawmakers from both parties submitting amendments, as the deadline for finalizing the bill approaches without clear resolution.
Trump’s warning came as the Senate continued its grueling session, with lawmakers engaged in a prolonged series of votes and amendments. Republicans, who hold a narrow majority, are struggling to secure the necessary support for the bill, particularly with the loss of two key senators, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who have already indicated their opposition. Tillis, in a recent announcement, stated he would not seek re-election, citing threats from Trump, which has further complicated the legislative process.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota admitted that Republicans are working to find a resolution to the impasse, but the process is expected to continue well into the night. The bill, if passed, would include $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, according to the latest Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis. However, Democrats have criticized the measure for rolling back billions in green energy tax credits, which could threaten investments in renewable energy sectors like wind and solar power.
Adding to the political turmoil, billionaire Elon Musk, who previously led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), took to social media to criticize Republicans for including a provision that would raise the nation’s debt limit by $5 trillion. Trump responded on Truth Social, threatening to ‘turn DOGE on’ Musk, who had previously endorsed him for president. Trump accused Musk of receiving disproportionate subsidies and warned that without them, the tech mogul might have to ‘close up shop and head back home to South Africa.’
The bill also includes $1.2 trillion in cuts to programs such as Medicaid and food stamps, with stricter eligibility requirements for beneficiaries. Additionally, it allocates $350 billion for border and national security, which includes provisions for deportations. The proposed measures have sparked significant debate, with concerns over the financial impact on vulnerable populations and potential long-term consequences for the economy.