Trump's $5 Trillion Debt Plan Sparks Credit Downgrade Warnings and Musk Criticism

June 14, 2025
Trump's $5 Trillion Debt Plan Sparks Credit Downgrade Warnings and Musk Criticism
  • President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are pushing for a significant fiscal package that includes tax cuts and increased spending, with a self-imposed deadline of July 4 for Senate approval.

  • However, the Congressional Budget Office and economists have raised alarms that the proposed legislation could increase the national debt burden, contributing to a downgrade in the U.S. credit rating by Moody's.

  • Moody's specifically cited the potential to raise the debt ceiling by $5 trillion as a significant factor in their decision to downgrade the U.S. credit rating.

  • Analysts at Capital Economics have warned that the current federal debt, which stands at $36.22 trillion, is on an unsustainable trajectory that could lead to higher inflation and negatively impact the economy.

  • Concerns about rising debt levels are already driving up Treasury yields, which could create a vicious cycle where higher borrowing costs exacerbate the deficit.

  • While the government can technically avoid bankruptcy by printing money, this strategy risks increasing inflation and crowding out private investment, ultimately harming economic performance.

  • Contention exists among lawmakers regarding necessary spending cuts and increases to fund the proposed tax relief, with contentious issues including cuts to Medicaid and clean energy tax incentives.

  • Despite these concerns, Trump and Congressional Republicans have dismissed arguments that the bill would worsen the deficit, with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo labeling such claims as 'absolutely wrong.'

  • The federal debt is approaching 100% of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), and if the budget shortfall remains at 6% of GDP, the debt-to-GDP ratio could increase to 120% within the next decade.

  • The proposed legislation aims to raise the U.S. debt ceiling by $5 trillion, a necessary step to prevent default, although some Republicans are downplaying the associated risks.

  • Elon Musk has publicly criticized the proposed $2.4 trillion legislation, calling it a 'disgusting abomination,' which has sparked a public dispute with Trump.

  • The House of Representatives has passed a version of the multi-trillion-dollar legislation, but the Senate must also approve it before it can be sent to Trump for signature.

Summary based on 2 sources


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Is the risk of U.S. fiscal crisis rising?

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