Massie Urges Elon Musk to Support Primary Challenges Against GOP Members Backing Trump Tax Bill

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has called on tech billionaire Elon Musk to fund primary challenges against the vast majority of House Republicans who voted in favor of President Donald Trump's recent "big, beautiful bill." The legislation, a sweeping budget reconciliation package, passed the House last week with the support of 215 Republicans, but has since come under fire from some of the party’s outspoken fiscal conservatives.

“I don't primary my colleagues, but I feel pretty good about him doing it,” Massie said, referencing Musk's vocal criticism of the measure. While clarifying that a handful of Republican lawmakers should be exempt, Massie added, “But people want term limits, right? Elon can bring term limits.” His remarks highlighted ongoing tensions within the GOP as the party navigates internal divisions over federal spending and government reform.

Elon Musk, who has amassed a significant following for his commentary on political and economic matters, condemned the bill on social media. “This massive, outrageous, pork-filled congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it,” Musk declared. He followed up with posts criticizing the rising national debt and called for voters to remove offending politicians from office during next year’s elections. Massie, however, suggested that primary elections would be a more effective avenue for accountability: “I would take them out in primaries if I were Elon Musk,” he remarked.

The controversial legislation is designed to further key Trump administration goals on taxes, immigration, energy, defense spending, and the federal debt limit. Despite these aims, critics have seized on a report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, which estimated the bill would increase the federal deficit by $2.4 trillion over 10 years. House GOP leaders have pushed back on this assessment, arguing that it fails to account for potential economic growth spurred by the reforms.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., defended the bill and rebuffed Musk’s attacks, saying at a press conference, “He's way off on this, and I've told him as much, and, I've said it publicly and privately.” Johnson described his relationship with Musk as previously cordial and expressed disappointment at the sudden reversal in the billionaire's stance.

Massie was one of only three House Republicans not to back the package: he voted “no,” while Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, also opposed it and House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., voted “present.” Massie, a steadfast opponent of legislation that may add to the ballooning federal debt—which now stands at nearly $37 trillion—has frequently clashed with both Trump and Johnson, including attempts to unseat the latter from House leadership.

Despite criticism, supporters of the bill have argued that it represents the best opportunity to overhaul government programs, combat waste and fraud, secure the southern border, and extend Trump-era tax cuts. However, the bill's fate remains uncertain as it moves to the Senate, where some Republicans have already called for revisions before final passage.