As the Senate works to finalise President Donald Trump’s wide-ranging legislative proposal, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the former president warned on social media Tuesday that failure to pass the bill could lead to a 68% tax increase — which he called the largest in U.S. history.
His comments came as lawmakers continued a marathon “vote-a-rama” session, debating and submitting amendments from both parties.
“Republicans, the One Big Beautiful Bill, perhaps the greatest and most important of its kind in history, gives the largest Tax Cuts and Border Security ever, Jobs by the Millions, Military/Vets increases, and so much more,” Trump posted. “The failure to pass means a whopping 68% Tax increase, the largest in history!!!”
Senate Republicans are still working to secure enough votes for the bill, while also pushing back on Democratic amendments. With a narrow majority, GOP leaders cannot afford to lose more than three senators. So far, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky have stated they oppose the bill.
Tillis also announced he will not run for reelection, following threats from Trump to campaign against him.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said Republicans are “figuring out how to get to the end game,” though the voting process is expected to last into the early hours of the morning.
Senators Continue Vote-a-Rama as Deadline for Trump’s Bill Approaches
If passed, the legislation would enact key parts of Trump’s domestic agenda, including $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, according to the latest Congressional Budget Office estimate.
Democrats say the bill would also eliminate billions of dollars in tax credits for green energy, which could impact investment in wind and solar industries.
Former government official and billionaire Elon Musk criticised the bill on social media Monday, calling Republicans the “PORKY PIG PARTY!!” and claiming it includes a provision to raise the national debt ceiling by $5 trillion.
Trump responded on Truth Social, accusing Musk of benefiting from government subsidies and hinting that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk previously led, should investigate him.
“Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly Endorsed me for President, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate,” Trump wrote. “Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one. Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history… Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!”
The bill also proposes $1.2 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and food stamp programs, changes to eligibility rules, and adjustments to how the federal government reimburses states. It includes $350 billion for border and national security efforts, including increased deportations.