GOP Senators Voice Concerns and Skepticism Over Trump's Spending Bill Following Elon Musk's Criticism

A growing chorus of Senate Republicans uneasy with the House-passed version of President Donald Trump’s sweeping legislative package has found an unlikely voice echoing their concerns: Elon Musk. The tech magnate, fresh off his departure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reignited criticism of what he called a “disgusting abomination” and a “massive, outrageous, pork-filled congressional spending bill” in a series of statements released Tuesday.

Musk’s latest remarks have intensified debate over the fate of the so-called "big, beautiful bill" now facing scrutiny in the Senate. Despite the White House’s unwavering support for the proposal—which touches on taxes, energy, immigration, defense spending, and national debt policy—the package remains a lighting rod among some key Republican senators who share Musk’s skepticism about its sweeping scope and fiscal impact.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., acknowledged Musk’s contributions while leading DOGE but stressed a clear divide between the billionaire’s position and that of Senate Republicans. Thune emphasized his commitment to moving the legislation forward, pledging to deliver a revised version to the president by Independence Day. “The legislation, as passed by the House, can be approved here in the Senate, can be strengthened in the Senate in a number of ways,” Thune said. “We intend to do that, but when it's all said and done, we'll send it back to the House and hope that they can pass it and put it on the president's desk.”

Still, fractures are deepening within GOP ranks. Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., aligned himself with Musk’s criticisms, expressing his own reservations about the bill’s size and impact on the national debt. Paul has unequivocally stated he will withhold support unless the bill is dramatically reworked to avoid a projected $5 trillion increase to the debt ceiling—a position that has drawn the ire of President Trump. Similarly, Senator Ron Johnson, R-Wis., has insisted on much steeper spending cuts than those currently outlined, pushing for a return to pre-pandemic budget levels, which would amount to a $6 trillion reduction over the next decade.

Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, joined the chorus of fiscal hawks demanding a more austere approach, warning that runaway federal spending is fueling inflation and empowering government overreach. “The Senate can make this bill better. It must now do so,” Lee declared, echoing Musk’s concerns on social media.

However, not every Senate Republican is receptive to Musk’s interventions. Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., remains focused on opposing Medicaid provisions he claims would hurt his constituents, dismissing Musk’s commentary as merely one opinion among many. Senator Jim Justice, R-W.V., offered perhaps the most pointed rebuttal, reminding colleagues that “Donald Trump is our president, not Elon Musk.”

As lawmakers prepare for a high-stakes negotiation phase, the battle lines are being drawn not just along party lines, but over the direction and scale of government spending itself. With influential critics like Musk lending their voices to internal dissent, the outcome remains uncertain—and the next round of amendments in the Senate may prove decisive for the future of Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda.