WASHINGTON: House Speaker Mike Johnson struck a defiant tone Sunday, making it clear that the Republican-led House will push forward with President Trump’s sweeping tax and budget bill, despite vocal opposition from billionaire Elon Musk.
In a rare display of assertiveness, Johnson downplayed Musk’s influence over GOP lawmakers and rejected the idea that the legislation should cater to elite interests. “I didn’t craft this bill to satisfy the richest man in the world,” he said. “We’re focused on helping hardworking Americans trying to provide for their families and make ends meet.”
Musk recently condemned the GOP-backed bill as an “abomination,” warning it would balloon the national debt and undermine economic stability. He urged voters to flood Congress with calls opposing the bill, which has already passed the House and awaits a Senate vote. His remarks triggered a sharp public exchange with Trump and raised speculation about Musk financing challengers—even Democrats—against Republican supporters of the legislation.
Johnson confirmed he has exchanged text messages with Musk since the tech mogul’s criticism, but dismissed concerns about any real impact. “We’re not seeing a wave of calls to congressional offices,” he said. “Some may be weighing Musk’s arguments, but most people understand this is an ambitious and necessary piece of legislation.”
Despite the backlash, Johnson stood firmly by Trump’s economic agenda, signaling that the GOP remains committed to advancing the bill through the Senate.
