‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Criticism Firestorm Gains Force

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Massive Debt Ceiling Hike in Spending Bill Sparks Controversy, Draws Criticism from Elon Musk and Senator Rand Paul

By TRH News Desk

NEW DELHI, June 5, 2025 – A contentious spending bill, which includes the largest debt ceiling increase in US history, has ignited a firestorm of debate among policymakers and influential figures. The bill, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” by President Donald Trump, has drawn sharp criticism from billionaire Elon Musk and Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), who warn of its long-term economic consequences.

Musk took to X to voice his opposition, calling the legislation the “Debt Slavery Bill.” In his post, Musk stated, “This spending bill contains the largest increase in the debt ceiling in US history! It is the Debt Slavery Bill.”

His concerns were apparently directed at the nation’s ballooning debt, which currently exceeds $36 trillion, according to a recent report by Fox News. The outlet highlighted Musk’s warnings, noting that he has been “sounding the alarm about America’s profligate spending,” predicting it could plunge the nation “into debt slavery.”

Senator Rand Paul, a known fiscal conservative, also expressed reservations about the bill. In a post on X, Paul wrote, “While I oppose increasing the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, I enthusiastically support making the tax cuts permanent and could vote for the Big not-yet Beautiful Bill if the debt ceiling were voted on separately.”

His stance aligns with his previous comments on CNBC’s Squawk Box, where he stated, “I’m just not open to supporting $5 trillion … in debt ceiling increase,” as reported by CNBC. Paul emphasized that separating the debt ceiling hike from the bill would secure his support for the tax cuts, which include extensions of Trump’s 2017 tax reforms and new exemptions for workers’ tips, overtime, and seniors’ Social Security benefits.

The bill, which narrowly passed the House in late May, proposes a $4 trillion debt ceiling increase, alongside tax and spending cuts that are projected to widen national deficits. However, the Senate version has escalated the debt ceiling hike to $5 trillion, prompting further backlash.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the US debt has nearly tripled since 2009, and repeated congressional brinkmanship over the debt ceiling has led to disruptions, including government shutdowns and threats of default that could push the economy into crisis.

Fox News also reported on the broader implications of the national debt, citing Senator Mike Lee’s statement that “the accrued interest on the national debt now exceeds $1 trillion a year – more than we spend on national defence.” This growing financial burden has ignited the controversy surrounding the bill, with critics arguing that it prioritizes short-term growth over long-term fiscal responsibility.

The White House, however, has stood by the bill. Fox News noted that despite Musk’s harsh critique—where he reportedly called the legislation a “disgusting abomination”—the administration continues to defend the package, with President Trump claiming it will spur “tremendous GROWTH.”

As the debate rages on, the bill’s fate remains uncertain, with at least four Republicans, including Senator Paul, reportedly opposed to the current package. The clash between fiscal hawks and the bill’s supporters underscores the deepening political polarization over the US debt ceiling, a recurring battle that continues to shape the nation’s economic future.

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