Congressional Republicans are standing by President Donald Trump’s side after Elon Musk threw punchy criticism at their “big, beautiful bill” on social media.
The Tesla CEO called the Republican funding bill “outrageous” and “pork-filled” and said Republicans should be ashamed of themselves for voting it through the House of Representatives last month.
Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., responded to Musk’s remarks from the Capitol.
“We have a difference of opinion. He’s entitled to that opinion, [but] we’re going to proceed full speed ahead,” Thune said. “As he has an opportunity to further assess what this bill actually does, he’ll come to a different conclusion.”
Thune is in the spotlight as the future of the Republican budget bill currently lies in his hands. Thune has four weeks to persuade all but three Republicans to vote the bill through the Senate, a necessary step in the complicated budget reconciliation process.
“We’re anxious to get to work on it,” Thune said.
Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., also weighed in on Musk’s comments.
“With all due respect, my friend Elon is terribly wrong about the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill,’” Johnson said. “For him to come out and pan the whole bill is to me just very disappointing.”
Johnson said that he was especially surprised at Musk’s remarks after the two had a “very friendly, very fruitful conversation” about the funding bill over the phone just a day before.
“Elon and I left [the conversation] on a great note,” Johnson said. “And then yesterday, 24 hours later, he does a 180° and he comes out and opposed the bill. It surprised me, frankly.”
House Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, echoed Johnson’s surprise, saying Musk is “absolutely wrong.”
Arrington expressed concern that Musk’s public criticism might sway Republican opinion of the funding megabill and ultimately tank its ability to pass through Congress.
“That’s a given because Elon has so much credibility. His voice will carry in both the Senate and House conference,” Arrington said.
The top Democrat in the House, Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, R-N.Y., shared his thoughts on Musk’s comments.
“Elon Musk and I agree with each other,” Jeffries said. “The GOP tax scam is a disgusting abomination. Every single Republican who voted for the ‘One Big, Ugly Bill’ should be ashamed of themselves.”
The Republican budget bill faces a series of votes in the Senate over the next month before it’s able to be signed into law by the president.
