House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expressed his disappointment on Sunday regarding Elon Musk's recent criticism of President Trump and his signature legislation, often referred to as the "big, beautiful bill." In an interview on ABC's This Week, Johnson downplayed the potential repercussions of Musk's comments, suggesting that the billionaire's views do not hold significant weight among GOP lawmakers.
Musk's criticism of the president's tax-and-spending package has resonated with certain fiscal conservatives in Congress. Last week, GOP senators engaged in discussions with Trump and other administration officials about strategies to further reduce spending beyond what was proposed in the House-passed legislation. This collective effort highlights the ongoing tension within the party regarding fiscal responsibility.
During the interview, Johnson revealed that he had not spoken to Musk since the previous Monday, just before their public disagreement erupted on Thursday. Expressing his surprise, Johnson stated, "We were disappointed, surprised." He emphasized that he had previously communicated with Musk to ensure he had accurate information about the legislation, as he was concerned that misinformation was being conveyed to him.
On Thursday, Musk took to social media to clarify his stance, claiming he had never reviewed the bill and denying Trump's assertion that he was familiar with its details. Johnson noted that Musk had previously indicated through text messages that his main concern revolved around the spending outlined in the legislation. Despite Musk's encouragement for his 220 million followers to contact their representatives about the bill, Johnson mentioned that there had been minimal outreach to GOP lawmakers' offices.
"I didn’t go out to craft a piece of legislation to please the richest man in the world," Johnson stated. "What we're trying to do is help hard-working Americans who are trying to provide for their families and make ends meet." He refrained from discussing Trump's warning regarding potential repercussions for Musk’s government contracts, instead expressing his desire to resolve the situation swiftly and ensure the passage of the "one big, beautiful bill."
In a phone interview with NBC News' Kristen Welker, Trump indicated that he had no intention of repairing his relationship with Musk following the fallout. He further warned that there would be significant consequences if Musk were to support Democratic candidates financially, thereby intensifying the rift between the two influential figures.
Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) sidestepped questions regarding Trump's remarks during his appearance on NBC's Meet the Press, instead commenting on the ongoing "social media drama" between Musk and Trump. He acknowledged that the public is focused on the back-and-forth exchange occurring between these two prolific social media personalities.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt commented on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures, stating that Trump has not communicated with Musk since their dispute and suggesting that he likely has no plans to do so. "We were all hoping for the best for Elon," Leavitt said, expressing disappointment over Musk's recent criticisms of the bill, which he had previously supported.
This unfolding drama illustrates the complex dynamics between wealth and political power, highlighting the nuances of influence within the GOP. While Musk may have significant financial resources, Trump retains substantial political clout, making their relationship a focal point in the ongoing narrative surrounding fiscal policy and party unity.
