If you’ve been scrolling through X or catching up on global news, you’ve likely heard the buzz about the explosive fallout between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. What started as a political bromance has turned into a high-stakes showdown over the “Big Beautiful Bill,” a massive U.S. legislative package that’s got everyone talking.

The United States is currently witnessing a political and economic drama that has captured global attention, including here in India. At the heart of this storm is the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), a massive legislative package championed by President Donald Trump during his second term, and a very public falling-out between Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk. For Indian audiences curious about American politics and its ripple effects worldwide, this blog unpacks what this bill entails, why it matters, and why two of America’s most powerful figures are now at odds.

What is the “One Big Beautiful Bill”?

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a sweeping tax and spending package that President Trump calls the centerpiece of his second-term agenda. It aims to deliver on many of his campaign promises, but it has also sparked fierce debate over its economic and social impact.

Key Features of the Bill

Tax Cuts Worth $3.75 Trillion :

The bill makes permanent the 2017 Trump-era tax cuts, including new breaks such as exempting tips and overtime pay from federal income tax for workers earning under $160,000 annually. It also repeals certain excise taxes, like those on gun silencers and tanning services.

Spending Cuts and Reforms

It proposes roughly $1.3 trillion in spending cuts, especially targeting Medicaid by tightening eligibility and work requirements. These changes could result in millions losing health coverage.

Border and National Security

The bill boosts funding for border security and immigration enforcement, including hiring thousands of new ICE and Border Patrol agents, and aims to detain and deport at least one million illegal immigrants annually.

Debt Ceiling Increase

It raises the national debt ceiling by $4 trillion, allowing the U.S. government to borrow more to meet its obligations.

Rollbacks on Green Energy Incentives

The bill eliminates many Biden-era green energy tax credits, including those for solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles (EVs). This rollback notably impacts Tesla and other EV manufacturers.

Other Provisions

It expands child tax credits, reforms SNAP benefits, strengthens the military with billions in funding, and removes tax and regulatory burdens on firearm silencers.

The Trump-Musk Bromance: From Allies to Adversaries

If you’re wondering how we got here, let’s rewind. Trump and Musk were once thick as thieves. Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, reportedly bankrolled parts of Trump’s 2024 election campaign, helping him secure a second term (India Today, June 6, 2025). Musk even had a brief stint in the White House, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a task force aimed at slashing federal spending. It was a match made in political heaven—until it wasn’t.

The turning point came when Musk stepped down from DOGE in late May 2025 and started publicly trashing the Big Beautiful Bill. On May 28, he told CBS News he was “disappointed” in the bill, arguing it “increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it” and undermines DOGE’s cost-cutting mission (India Today). By June 5, things got personal. Musk took to X, calling the bill a “disgusting abomination” and warning it could “bankrupt America” with its $3.8 trillion deficit impact (LiveMint, June 6, 2025).

Trump didn’t take kindly to the betrayal. From the Oval Office, he fired back, saying, “I’m very disappointed I’ve helped Elon a lot,” and even accused Musk of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (LiveMint). He upped the ante by threatening to cut subsidies for Tesla and government contracts for SpaceX—moves that could hit Musk where it hurts most: his wallet.

The Feud Gets Ugly: Epstein, Trolls, and More

If you thought this was just a policy spat, think again. The feud took a nasty turn on June 5, 2025, when Musk dropped a bombshell on X: “Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!” (LiveMint). This unverified claim about Trump’s alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein was a low blow, and the White House hasn’t responded. For Indian readers, this might remind you of how political mudslinging can overshadow policy debates—just like when rival parties here trade barbs instead of focusing on, say, GST reforms.

Musk didn’t stop there. He dug up a 2013 Trump tweet criticizing Republicans for raising the debt ceiling, captioning it “Wise words” to mock Trump’s apparent flip-flop on fiscal responsibility. Adding fuel to the fire, Musk’s ex-partner, Ashley St. Clair, reportedly made a “public offer” to Trump, though details are murky (LiveMint). It’s the kind of drama that could rival a Bollywood plot twist!

Musk’s also got his “troll army” on X, which he’s used before to tank legislation. In December 2024, he rallied followers to kill a stopgap spending bill, and he might try the same with the Big Beautiful Bill. Posts on X, like one from @CalltoActivism on May 28, 2025, show the platform’s buzzing with reactions: “Elon dragged Trump’s so-called fiscal conservatism straight through the mud.” It’s a reminder of how social media can amplify political battles, much like Twitter wars during Indian elections.

Why This Matters: The Stakes Are High?

While the White House touts the bill as the largest tax cut in American history and a boost to workers’ wages (projecting up to an $11,600 wage increase for some), critics warn about its fiscal impact. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will add $2.4 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade. Moreover, cuts to Medicaid and social programs could leave millions of vulnerable Americans without coverage or support.

1. Economic Fallout

The Big Beautiful Bill’s $2–3.8 trillion deficit impact is no small potatoes. For perspective, India’s entire GDP is about $3.4 trillion (World Bank, 2024). If the bill passes, it could spook global markets, including India’s, where U.S. economic moves often ripple. Tesla, a darling of Indian investors, could take a hit if Trump follows through on cutting subsidies. Tesla’s stock dropped 3% in early June 2025 amid the feud (Bloomberg, June 6, 2025). SpaceX, meanwhile, announced it’s decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft, possibly a preemptive move against losing NASA contracts.

2. Political Ripples

The feud exposes cracks in the Republican Party. Fiscal conservatives like Senator Rand Paul, who warned the bill could add $5 trillion to the deficit, are siding with Musk (ABC News). If the Senate stalls the bill, it could weaken Trump’s agenda, much like how coalition politics in India can derail big reforms. For Indian policymakers, this is a lesson in balancing bold economic moves with fiscal discipline.

3. Social Programs at Risk

The bill’s shift of Medicare and SNAP to state control could lead to uneven access, akin to how India’s state-specific healthcare schemes vary in effectiveness. If states like Texas or Florida cut funding, millions could lose benefits, sparking protests that could dominate global headlines

Why Should India Care?

The U.S. economy is deeply interconnected with the global market, including India’s. Changes in U.S. fiscal policy can influence global trade, investment flows, and even the valuation of the Indian rupee. For Indian businesses and consumers, understanding these shifts helps anticipate market volatility and opportunities.

Moreover, the bill’s rollback of green energy incentives could slow global progress on climate change, affecting international environmental cooperation. India, as a major player in renewable energy, watches these developments closely.

The Explosive Feud: Donald Trump vs. Elon Musk

What started as a bromance between Trump and Musk has turned into a bitter public feud, centered on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

How Did It Start?

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, initially supported Trump but has become one of the bill’s most vocal critics. His main objections are:

• The bill’s massive deficit increase, which Musk calls fiscally irresponsible.
• The elimination of EV tax credits, which directly affects Tesla’s competitiveness.
• The inclusion of what Musk sees as excessive and wasteful spending.

Musk has used social media platforms to call the bill a “disgusting abomination” and urged the public to “kill the bill”.

Trump’s Response

Trump fired back by accusing Musk of ingratitude, claiming Musk was aware of the bill’s details and only objected after the EV incentives were cut. Trump called Musk “crazy” and threatened to end all government contracts and subsidies for Musk’s companies, framing it as a budget-saving measure.

Public Exchanges

The feud has featured a series of sharp exchanges:

• Musk resurfaced old Trump tweets criticizing government debt, mocking Trump’s current stance.
• Trump accused Musk of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and dismissed his criticism as self-serving.
• Musk denied ever seeing the bill before it passed and called Trump’s claims false.

This clash reflects deeper tensions between populist politics and big business interests within the Republican Party.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

For U.S. Politics

The feud highlights fractures within the Republican Party between Trump loyalists and fiscal conservatives like Musk. It also underscores the challenges in passing large-scale legislation amid competing interests.

For the Global Economy

The bill’s tax cuts and spending shifts will influence U.S. economic growth, which in turn affects global markets. The rollback of green energy incentives could slow innovation and investment in clean technologies worldwide.

For India

Indian exporters and investors should monitor how changes in U.S. trade and tax policies affect bilateral relations.

The feud between Trump and Musk may influence the global tech ecosystem, including investments in India’s growing EV and renewable sectors.

Final Thoughts

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is more than just a U.S. domestic policy—it is a window into the complex interplay of politics, economics, and business in the world’s largest economy. The public spat between Donald Trump and Elon Musk adds a human drama that makes the stakes even clearer.

From Indian perspective, this is a moment to watch closely, learn from, and prepare for the global consequences of American policy decisions. As the bill moves through the Senate and the feud continues to unfold, staying updated will help you navigate an increasingly interconnected world.