“Very Disappointed”

I have been ecstatic about the alliance between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. But it is depressing to see that alliance melting down.

President Trump today said he was “very disappointed” by Musk’s sudden and vociferous opposition to the Big Beautiful Bill. Musk is now urging his followers to lobby their members of Congress to vote “No” on the bill.

Every Democrat is already going to vote “No.” These are the same Democrats who have smeared Musk and tried to destroy his companies. I would think that would give him reason to pause before allying with the Left to kill Trump’s agenda.

Let’s be clear about the political dynamics:

• This is a “reconciliation bill.” Such bills cannot be filibustered. The downside is there are very strict and complex parliamentary rules restricting what can be included in the legislation.

• Republicans have a four-seat majority in the House.

• Roughly a dozen House Republicans are really hardline on spending cuts, and I appreciate that.

• But there are also a number of Republicans in districts Joe Biden won in 2024 who need some things in the bill, or they’re going to lose their seats, possibly costing the GOP its majority.

• On the other side of Capitol Hill, several Republican senators, including liberal Susan Collins and conservative Josh Hawley, don’t want any cuts in Medicaid.

• But we also have senators like Ron Johnson and Rand Paul who want even more cuts to Medicaid.

Surely Elon Musk understands that if the bill does not pass, the country is headed for a serious recession because American families will be hit with a $1,700 tax increase. Small businesses will take a big hit, too.

This bill provides complete funding for the border wall, additional border security, and funding for immigration enforcement. If the bill is defeated, President Trump cannot fulfill the number one promise he made in 2024.

Elon Musk is brilliant, but I suspect he may not fully understand the arcane rules of the United States Congress.