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

A growing divide within the Senate Republican ranks intensified this week, as several lawmakers wary of the House GOP’s sweeping legislative package found an influential ally in Elon Musk. The billionaire entrepreneur and former head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) openly condemned President Donald Trump’s preferred bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” during a high-profile social media outburst on Tuesday.

Musk, who stepped down from his White House-appointed post just days ago, has been outspoken in his criticism of the multitrillion-dollar reconciliation package. “This massive, outrageous, pork-filled congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination,” Musk declared on X (formerly Twitter). “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.” His remarks have resonated with a faction of Senate Republicans who share his deep concerns over the magnitude of the proposed spending and the lack of substantial fiscal restraint.

The contentious legislation—hailed by Trump as a “big, beautiful bill”—encompasses sweeping changes to tax policy, energy initiatives, immigration measures, defense allocations, and an expansion of the national debt ceiling. While the White House remains steadfast in its support, some high-profile senators have underscored their intent to reshape the measure in the coming weeks. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., while praising Musk’s past government efficiency efforts, made clear there are points of departure between the party’s strategy and Musk’s approach. “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.”

Yet internal rifts are becoming increasingly apparent. Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., echoed Musk’s skepticism, vowing not to back the bill unless it undergoes a significant overhaul—notably, the removal of a $5 trillion increase to the nation’s debt ceiling. This opposition has drawn the ire of Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Paul for his consistent resistance to major GOP initiatives.

Other fiscal hawks, including Senators Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and Mike Lee, R-Utah, have advocated for far deeper spending cuts than those proposed in the House version. Johnson called for a return to pre-pandemic federal outlays, which would require slashing an additional $6 trillion over the next decade compared to current plans. “I share [Musk’s] concerns,” Johnson noted, thanking the former DOGE chief for spotlighting runaway spending. Lee warned that unchecked deficits “harm Americans and weaponize government,” insisting the Senate must seize this opportunity to rein in expenditures.

However, not all Republicans are swayed by Musk’s forceful rhetoric. Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., reiterated his commitment to safeguarding Medicaid benefits, regardless of external criticism. “Well, he's entitled to his opinion, it's a free country,” Hawley responded when asked about Musk’s comments. Meanwhile, Senator Jim Justice, R-W.V., dismissed comparisons between the billionaire industrialist and the former president. “My reaction to that is just simply this … Donald Trump is our president, not Elon Musk,” Justice stated bluntly.

As the bill advances to the Senate floor, party leaders aim to address mounting concerns while preserving the core elements of President Trump’s ambitious legislative vision. The fate of the landmark spending package now rests on the ability of Senate Republicans to bridge their differences—and whether the high-profile endorsements and denouncements from figures like Musk will tip the balance remains to be seen.