MAGA-aligned U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) is being criticized for his bold claim to be a debt hawk battling “DC politicians” for the sake of America’s “kids and grandkids.”
First elected to the Senate in 2018, Scott wrote this week on social media: “America is over $39 TRILLION in debt. If it were up to DC politicians, nothing would EVER change. This is unsustainable! President Trump wants a balanced budget — and I’m fighting to help MAKE IT HAPPEN so our kids and grandkids have a strong future!”
In addition to a Community Notes reply — “Senator Rick Scott voted Yea on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), which adds trillions to the national debt” — users on X including some Republican lawmakers are slamming Scott for the comment.
[NOTE: Scott’s claims about President Trump, who on Monday proposed a 2027 budget which includes $1.5 trillion for the Pentagon, “the biggest defense budget surge in 75 years,” also came under fire.]
America is over $39 TRILLION in debt. If it were up to DC politicians, nothing would EVER change. This is unsustainable!
President Trump wants a balanced budget — and I’m fighting to help MAKE IT HAPPEN so our kids and grandkids have a strong future!
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) April 6, 2026
U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) — who voted Nay on the OBBBA — replied to Scott: “@grok, what is the net budgetary effect of the Big Beautiful Bill over its first four years?”
Grok replied to Massie’s inquiry: “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 4, 2025) has a net budgetary effect of increasing federal deficits by an estimated $1.8–2.0 trillion over its first four years (FY2026–2029). Per CRFB/CBO scoring: +$500B in 2026 and +$635B in 2027 alone, with elevated costs continuing into 2028–2029 before declining as some offsets phase in. Tax cuts (e.g., TCJA extensions, no tax on tips/overtime) are front-loaded; spending reductions (e.g., Medicaid/SNAP reforms) ramp up later. Total conventional 10-year deficit increase: $3.4T (+$4.1T with interest).”
2024 Libertarian Presidential Nominee Chase Oliver also replied to Scott: “Just a complete lie from you. You know it, and more and more, voters are waking up to this. Trump has exploded the deficits and debt. There is no way anyone who has seen the numbers can say this with a straight face.”
Massie added: “Over the first 4 years, the Big Beautiful Bill adds nearly $2 trillion to our deficit, beyond the deficit that would have been caused by Biden level spending. That’s right, Republicans have increased spending, and I’m taking all kinds of heat for calling them out on the betrayal.”