Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Inc. and SpaceX, has expressed his disapproval of President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Musk took to social media to voice his displeasure, posting “VOX POPULI, VOX DEI” — the voice of the people is the voice of God.
What Happened
Musk recently conducted a poll, which found that more than 80% of 1.9 million respondents supported the creation of a new party “that actually represents the 80 percent in the middle.” He warned that if Congress approves the spending package, he will launch an “America Party” the next day. Musk labeled the $5 trillion deficit-ballooning plan an “insane spending bill” and derided both major parties as the “Porky Pig Party.” He also promised to fund primary challengers against any lawmaker who votes yes.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The proposed bill pairs $3.8 trillion in tax cuts with $1.2 trillion in social-program reductions, which the Congressional Budget Office says will deepen the deficit by $3.3 trillion over ten years. Musk believes that the bill will “destroy millions of jobs” and provide “handouts to industries of the past.” The bill also proposes tax hikes on various energy projects, including solar, battery, geothermal, wind, and nuclear energy projects, which could negatively impact Tesla’s interests in battery energy storage systems and solar photovoltaics.
Why It Matters
Musk’s criticism marks the latest rupture with Trump, whom he once advised and backed financially during the 2024 campaign. The billionaire’s recent posts have slammed the bill as “political suicide” and celebrated bipartisan critics like Sen. Rand Paul. Trump’s campaign has defended the measure, arguing that the tax breaks will “unleash American energy,” while the White House insists that cuts to green subsidies and Medicaid are necessary to curb runaway deficits.
Musk’s Previous Statements
Interestingly, Musk used the same phrase “Vox populi, vox Dei” when restoring Trump’s X account in 2022. This phrase, which means “the voice of the people is the voice of God,” suggests that Musk believes the majority opinion should be respected and heeded.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s criticism of Trump’s legislation highlights the ongoing debate about the proposed bill and its potential impact on the economy and the environment. As a prominent figure in the business and tech world, Musk’s opinions carry significant weight, and his willingness to speak out against the bill could influence public opinion and sway lawmakers’ decisions.