WASHINGTON, D.C. – A public feud between President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has escalated over a major federal spending bill, with Musk threatening to fund primary challengers against any Republicans who support the legislation. The conflict, which highlights significant ideological divisions within the GOP, intensified Tuesday after the Senate narrowly passed the bill, a centerpiece of President Trump’s legislative agenda, sending it to the House of Representatives for a final vote.
The dispute exposes a critical fracture within the Republican Party, pitting fiscal conservatives against the populist movement led by President Trump. Musk’s intervention comes as the party seeks to maintain its slim majority in Congress ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
In a fiery post on the social media platform X, Musk condemned lawmakers who voted for the budget proposal. “Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame!” Musk wrote on Monday. “And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.”
President Trump retaliated on his Truth Social platform, suggesting Musk’s business empire is overly reliant on government support. “Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa,” President Trump wrote. He added that his administration might have to re-evaluate these subsidies.
The sprawling budget bill, which President Trump has promoted as his “big, beautiful bill,” passed the Senate on Tuesday following a marathon session that concluded with a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance. The bill’s passage in the Senate was a key victory for the administration, but it now faces a difficult path in the House.
Political analysts note that while Musk’s threat is significant, President Trump’s influence within the party remains formidable. Robert Y. Shapiro, a political science professor at Columbia University, stated that President Trump’s political clout “is still strong” and described Musk’s actions as “theatrics.” He argued that the real test for President Trump will be securing the bill’s passage in the House.
Other experts believe Musk’s influence should not be dismissed. D. Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky, explained that Musk “speaks for a small but influential faction within the Republican electorate.” Voss added, “An endorsement from Musk could help such candidates in GOP primaries, especially if the support comes with sufficient financial backing to mount a serious campaign.”
The relationship between the two powerful figures has soured since Musk departed from his advisory role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in May. Since leaving, Musk has publicly criticized the president, including posting unsubstantiated accusations.
Grant Davis Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University, suggested that Musk’s political sway may be “beginning to fade” following his exit from the administration. “He wants to see government much smaller than it is, and if he wants to pursue that goal through political involvement, fighting with Democrats makes much more sense than fighting with Republicans,” Reeher commented.
The ultimate impact of Musk’s threats will become clearer as the 2026 midterm election cycle begins. The potential for well-funded primary challenges could force incumbent Republicans to reconsider their positions on fiscal policy and their allegiance to party leadership, setting the stage for further internal conflict.
