Elon Musk backs Rep. Massie and threatens GOP primaries, intensifying party rift over Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” and record spending.

Musk’s Fiscal Revolt Shakes GOP Unity Over Trump’s Agenda

The Republican Party faces intensifying internal strife as billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk launches a high-profile campaign against President Donald Trump’s flagship “big, beautiful bill.” Musk’s vocal opposition to what he calls “insane spending” and a record debt ceiling increase has rapidly evolved from online criticism to a direct challenge against party leadership, as he throws his financial weight behind Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and vows to bankroll primary challengers to Republicans supporting the bill.

Musk’s campaign, amplified on his social media platform X, began as a fierce rebuke of the bill’s $5 trillion debt ceiling hike. Musk labeled both parties as the “Porky Pig Party,” warning, “if this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day.” He accused Washington of uniparty rule, insisting, “They just pretend to be two parties… it’s just one uniparty in reality.”

Rep. Massie quickly became the movement’s face after being one of only two House Republicans to oppose the bill and by challenging Trump’s Iran strikes as “not Constitutional.” Musk answered a call from former Rep. Justin Amash to support Massie: “I will,” Musk replied, later adding, “Me,” when another user mentioned donating to Massie’s campaign. Massie, praising Musk’s free speech reforms on X, credited the platform for boosting transparency and helping him bypass traditional media “to refute the lies of both political parties.” He described his reelection as a test of whether members of Congress can “act independently… or must be rubber stamps for their respective political parties and swampy special interests.”

Trump Allies and Senate GOP Push Back as Massie’s Support Surges

President Trump responded by repeatedly excoriating Massie, calling him a “pathetic LOSER” on Truth Social and promising to campaign hard for a challenger in Kentucky. “We will have a wonderful American Patriot running against him in the Republican Primary, and I’ll be out in Kentucky campaigning really hard,” Trump declared, vowing to unseat Massie in 2026. Despite the attacks, Massie reported raising over $308,000 in grassroots donations in one week, crediting Musk’s public backing for energizing his campaign.

The rift deepened as Musk warned, “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! And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.” Accompanying these warnings were viral images accusing bill supporters of “lying” to voters, with Musk threatening the formation of a new “America Party.”

GOP senators largely dismissed Musk’s threats. “I’ll take President Trump’s endorsement over Elon’s any day of the week,” said Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall. Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville noted policy differences on energy but called the bill essential to Trump’s agenda of prosperity and security. Missouri Sen. Schmitt praised Musk’s past work as DOGE chief finding government waste but argued, “Everybody’s entitled to their opinions.” Tennessee Sen. Bill Hagerty predicted the bill’s benefits would outweigh “doom and gloom,” while South Dakota’s Jon Hoeven countered that growth would offset deficit concerns.

Musk–Trump Feud Escalates, DOGE and the EV Mandate Enter Debate

Musk’s feud with Trump is fueled by policy and personal grievances. The entrepreneur has attacked the bill as “pork-filled” and accused it of undoing DOGE-era reforms to federal efficiency. Trump, referencing Musk’s origins as DOGE chief, joked, “DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon… He gets a lot of subsidies. But, Elon was very upset that the EV mandate is going to be terminated.” When asked if he would deport Musk, Trump replied, “I don’t know, we’ll have to take a look.”

The White House and budget officials countered Musk’s criticism by noting that DOGE’s discretionary spending targets are not impacted by the current bill, which still requires appropriations for final approval. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and OMB Director Russell Vought clarified that Musk’s claimed cuts are outside the bill’s legal scope.

As the standoff grows, Massie’s supporters celebrate his independence, while Trump’s loyalists rally for party unity. Meanwhile, Musk’s calls for a new political movement highlight a volatile moment for the GOP, as big donors and grassroots alike question the party’s fiscal future. With the 2026 primaries looming, the Musk–Massie alliance and Trump’s threats of reprisal are setting up an explosive test of party loyalty, spending priorities, and the very structure of Republican politics.