Speaker Mike Johnson is steadfast in his support for the reconciliation bill despite facing criticism from Elon Musk regarding the bill’s expenditures.
Musk, a close associate of President Donald Trump, who is nearing the end of his tumultuous term in office, previously voiced concerns about the bill undermining the cost-saving efforts of his Department of Government Efficiency.
Reaching Out to Musk
Upon hearing Musk’s remarks, Johnson promptly contacted his ‘good friend Elon’ to defend the proposed bill.
“I conveyed to my dear friend Elon a detailed message explaining how the bill can be expansive and aesthetically pleasing,” shared Johnson during an interview on Fox News.
Musk’s Critique and Departure
Musk’s response followed his announcement of exiting the administration, concluding months of aggressive actions within the federal government, including his clashes with key officials and the utilization of DOGE.
Expressing disappointment with the substantial reconciliation plan in an interview with CBS News, Musk criticized the bill, suggesting that it undermines the accomplishments of DOGE.
“A bill can be either sizable or visually appealing, but I am uncertain if it can embody both,” remarked Musk. He also criticized the termination of clean energy incentives and policies by Tesla.
Johnson’s Defense
Johnson countered Musk’s assertions, emphasizing the potential growth that would accompany the bill’s passage and the enactment of Trump’s agenda.
He argued that Trump’s tariff strategies would generate unaccounted revenue, countering projections from the Congressional Budget Office.
“We anticipate stimulating the economy, resulting in deficit reduction in the long run,” Johnson affirmed. “The calculations matter.”
Financial Implications
According to a report by the Joint Committee on Taxation, the House’s tax proposal could amount to nearly $4 trillion over the next decade.
Despite his defense, Johnson commended Musk for his innovative algorithms, crediting them for the efficiency measures under DOGE that Congress aims to formalize.
The White House plans to present a multi-billion dollar recissions package to institutionalize DOGE’s reductions, particularly in public media funding and foreign aid, to Congress in the upcoming week.
“Elon is absolutely correct; the DOGE initiative will persist long after his temporary role in all of this because it is reshaping perspectives,” Johnson remarked.
