Speaker Mike Johnson faces escalating challenges in averting a potential government shutdown during the holiday season, with tech mogul Elon Musk emerging as a formidable opponent.
Musk, a prominent ally of President-elect Donald Trump, recently denounced a short-term funding bill supported by Johnson, denouncing the extensive 1,547-page continuing resolution for its inclusion of unrelated expenditures, such as a salary increase for legislators. He labeled the bill as ‘criminal,’ ‘unconscionable,’ and a ‘crime against the American people.’
The clash ignited when Musk voiced his opposition to the bill on his platform ‘X’ at 4:15 a.m. ET, adamantly stating, ‘this bill should not pass.’
Continuing his tirade, Musk urged his vast following of nearly 208 million individuals to contact their representatives to ‘Stop the steal of your tax dollars!’ and warned that any lawmaker supporting the bill will face repercussions at the ballot box.
This poses a significant dilemma for Johnson, a Republican aligned with Trump, who must secure approval for the bill before Friday to avert a government shutdown amidst the holiday festivities.
Furthermore, Musk’s actions serve as an early litmus test for loyalty, as he is slated to oversee a ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ under the forthcoming Trump administration, focusing on curbing government expenditures.
Various lawmakers have echoed Musk’s sentiments, with Rep. Ralph Norman criticizing the bill as lacking fiscal responsibility, a sentiment amplified by Sen. Joni Ernst, who accused Congress of prioritizing special interests over taxpayers.
Musk’s lobbying efforts have already begun to sway opinions, with Rep. Andy Biggs acknowledging the impact of Musk’s advocacy on certain legislators.
A cohort of conservative House Republicans have voiced their opposition to the bill, aligning with Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance in advocating for a streamlined spending bill that does not concede to Democratic demands.
In response to mounting dissent, Johnson’s team is exploring alternative funding solutions, including a ‘clean’ funding package that excludes extraneous provisions, like $100 billion in disaster aid.
Despite these efforts, Johnson’s political future remains uncertain, with close Trump ally Steve Bannon asserting that Johnson’s tenure may be in jeopardy.
While representatives for Musk, ‘X,’ and his America PAC declined to comment, the ongoing standoff underscores the intricate interplay between political power dynamics and external influencers.