At its core, the Republican “big, beautiful bill” is more than just an extension of tax breaks approved during President Donald Trump’s first term at the White House.

When Elon Musk denounced Republicans’ hefty spending plan as a “disgusting abomination” earlier this week, he largely steered clear of President Donald Trump, who has thrown his support behind the One Big Beautiful Bill. That changed on Thursday afternoon when the world’s richest man went after the world’s most powerful man.

The White House blasted a prediction that Donald Trump's policy mega-bill could send the deficit soaring as Elon Musk doubled down on his criticism.