Republican congressman Thomas Massie says he has secured enough votes to potentially block President Trump’s ambitious “One Big Beautiful Bill” in the House. The measure had already passed the Senate by a narrow margin but now faces a critical hurdle in the lower chamber.
What is at stake
The bill combines permanent extensions of Trump-era tax cuts with large increases in defense spending and significant reductions to Medicaid and other social programs. Analysts warn it could add more than 3 trillion dollars to the federal deficit over the next decade.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump are pushing hard to pass the bill before the July 4 deadline. With only a one-seat Republican majority, just a handful of defections could stop the plan.
Massie digs in with Musk’s support
Massie argues the legislation is a fiscal disaster, calling it a debt bomb. He claims to have at least ten Republican votes lined up against it, enough to sink the bill if Democrats also oppose as expected.
Adding to the tension, Elon Musk has publicly supported Massie’s position. Musk warned he may back primary challengers against Republicans who side with Trump on this issue, intensifying pressure on party leaders.
Trump responds with threats
Trump, in turn, promised to endorse a primary challenger against Massie in Kentucky if he continues to stand in the way. He told supporters Massie would be “history,” making clear the high stakes for internal GOP unity.
What comes next
The coming days are crucial as Republicans scramble to secure votes. If Massie holds firm with his group, it could derail one of Trump’s signature legislative efforts and reshape the political landscape heading into the next election cycle.
