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Two senators, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky, have already signaled they won’t support the sweeping bill. For Tillis, the political stakes are even higher. He announced he’s bowing out of future re-election bids after facing the threat of a Trump-backed primary challenger.
Amid this tense backdrop, Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota admitted Republicans are still searching for a path forward.
Thune said Republicans are “figuring out how to get to the end game,” even as the vote marathon threatened to drag into the early morning hours.
Bill Carries Trillions in Tax Cuts—and Sparks Green Energy Backlash
At the heart of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” is an eye-popping $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, according to a fresh estimate from the Congressional Budget Office (though the CBO’s record has sometimes proven unreliable). The measure would also lock in the permanent tax reductions that Trump ushered in during his first term.
However, not everyone is celebrating. Democrats are furious over provisions that would axe billions of dollars in tax incentives for green energy, potentially dealing a harsh blow to America’s wind and solar industries.
That has ignited the wrath of one of the country’s most powerful billionaires, Elon Musk, who once served as Trump’s head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk has threatened to upend the political landscape if Trump’s bill passes without preserving those green subsidies.
“It is obvious with the insane spending of this bill, which increases the debt ceiling by a record FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS that we live in a one-party country – the PORKY PIG PARTY!! Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people,” Musk declared on X, the platform he owns.
Trump Fires Back at Musk’s Threats
Never one to let criticism slide, Trump fired off a lengthy post on Truth Social, reminding voters—and Musk—that his opposition to electric vehicle mandates was never a secret.
“Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly Endorsed me for President, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate. It is ridiculous, and was always a major part of my campaign. Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one,” Trump wrote.
And Trump didn’t stop there, taking a swipe at Musk’s reliance on federal dollars to fuel his business empire.
“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. No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!”
Medicaid Cuts and Border Security Funds Fuel More Fights
Trump’s bill doesn’t just revolve around tax cuts. It also calls for slashing $1.2 trillion in what the administration describes as waste, fraud, and abuse in programs like Medicaid and food stamps. The plan includes tougher eligibility standards and changes in how Washington reimburses states for welfare spending.
Meanwhile, the legislation sets aside a massive $350 billion to beef up border enforcement, ramping up deportations and shoring up national security—a cornerstone of Trump’s political brand.
Musk Floats New “America Party”
But as the legislative wrangling continues, Musk’s saber-rattling is sending shockwaves through Washington. He’s making clear he’s willing to blow up the current political establishment if Trump’s bill sails through in its current form.
“If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day,” Musk posted to his 220 million followers. “Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE.”
As the Senate grinds through endless amendments, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” will emerge intact—or spark the political earthquake both Trump and Musk seem to be predicting.
