10
Loading video...
By Dan Gooding and Hannah Parry
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Elon Musk has been using President Donald Trump's past criticisms of raising the debt ceiling against him as he continues to attack the "big, beautiful bill."
The former Trump ally shared several posts on X from the president, dating back more than a decade.
In one, dated January 23, 2013, Trump wrote, " I cannot believe the Republicans are extending the debt ceiling—I am a Republican & I am embarrassed!"
Read More
A Timeline of Elon Musk’s and Donald Trump’s Bromance8 min read
Elon Musk Asks ‘Is It Time To Create New Political Party?’ Amid Trump Feud3 min read
Will Donald Trump Get to Pick New Supreme Court Justices?6 min read
"Wise words," Musk commented as he shared the post.
Why It Matters
A growing division has emerged between Musk and Trump since the former left the White House at the end of May, with the president saying Thursday that he was disappointed in his former ally's negativity towards his budget reconciliation bill, which now sits with the U.S. Senate.
...
What To Know
Alongside the 2013 tweet, Musk also shared a post from Trump dated July 31, 2012, where he said "No member of Congress should be eligible for re-election if our country's budget is not balanced---deficits not allowed!"
Musk reposted the tweet, saying, "I couldn't agree more," alongside two U.S. flag emojis.
The social media activity came as the president met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office, and he was asked about Musk's criticisms of the bill.
Trump said he was disappointed with Musk's reaction and that the Tesla and X owner had known about the contents of the bill.
"False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!" Musk posted on X in response.
During Thursday's Oval Office briefing, Trump also repeated his view that the reconciliation bill would create big tax cuts for everyday Americans and cut federal spending.
Responding in another post, Musk said: "In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this!"
He also reposted a collage of screenshots of Trump's previous posts from the 2010s, which criticized those in Congress for adding to the country's debt and called for more balanced budgets.
"Where is this guy today??" Musk posted above the collage.
What People Are Saying
President Trump, in the Oval Office Thursday: "Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore."
Republican Louisiana Senator John Kennedy, speaking to reporters Wednesday: "Musk is frustrated. I think he believes in my judgment correctly that we're quickly becoming debt slaves—that Congress needs to rearm the magical healing power of no, and I agree with it. Having said that, I'm not ready to throw in the towel on this bill."
Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, Wednesday on X: "If Musk & his pals are so concerned about increasing the national debt in Trump's Big Beautiful Bill, why don't they cut the $664 billion in tax breaks for the 1%; the $420 billion in tax breaks for large profitable corporations; & the $150 billion in increased military spending?"
What's Next
Musk continued to post about the bill on X Thursday afternoon, while Trump has given senators a July 4 deadline to pass it and send it to his desk.
Update 06/05/25 2:05 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines