Elon Musk was expected to distance himself from politics and focus on his businesses. Yet on Tuesday, June 3, the head of SpaceX dramatically backtracked. In a post on X, he launched an unprecedentedly harsh attack on the piece of legislation Donald Trump himself has dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill" ("BBB"). Musk called it a "disgusting abomination"; "I'm sorry, but I just can't stand it anymore," he wrote, arguing that Congress was "making America bankrupt."

Without naming them, Musk criticized the Republican lawmakers, writing, "Shame on those who voted for it: You know you did wrong. You know it." While the billionaire's opposition to the bill was already known, the intensity of his criticism was all the more striking as it came at a politically crucial moment.

At the end of May, the BBB passed the hurdle of the House of Representatives and must now be voted on by senators. The Republican group cannot afford more than three dissenting votes, or the bill will fail. The stakes are monumental for the White House, which still hopes to secure final passage before the national holiday on July 4. At issue are Trump's campaign promises on tax policy and the implementation of his plans for the mass expulsion of undocumented migrants. It's also a test of authority for the president, who so far has secured the full submission of his party, both when forming his cabinet as well as his erratic tariff policy – a domain that normally falls under the legislature's power. Trump has become personally involved, cajoling or threatening hesitant lawmakers. On Monday, he met with John Thune of South Dakota, the Republican leader in the Senate.

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