In a flurry of posts on his social media platform X, Elon Musk targeted a Republican-backed government spending bill that, if not passed by Friday, would result in a government shutdown. Responding to Vivek Ramaswamy, co-leader of President-elect Donald Trump’s advisory group, Musk denounced the bill, calling it a “bigger piece of pork” and criticizing provisions like funding for the State Department’s Global Engagement Center, which Musk labeled a “censorship operation.”
Throughout his posts, Musk voiced strong opposition to the bill, decrying a pay increase for Congress members and calling the bill “criminal.” He also appeared to issue a political ultimatum, urging his followers to vote out any House or Senate members who supported the bill and urging them to pressure representatives to “stop the steal of your tax dollars.”
Musk’s stance, along with Ramaswamy’s, is part of an early push to reduce government spending, including advocating for cuts to at least $2 trillion in federal programs. However, experts have described these targets as unrealistic.
House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the bill, claiming it was a necessary stopgap until Republicans take full control of Congress. He acknowledged texting with Musk and Ramaswamy to explain the bill’s details. Despite Johnson’s defense, several Republicans, including South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman, have voiced opposition, with Musk amplifying their criticism on his platform.
As Musk applied pressure to GOP lawmakers, Trump remained silent on the issue. Some Republican members, like Rep. Byron Donalds, hope Musk’s influence will sway their colleagues, though others, such as Rep. Lisa McClain, acknowledge Musk’s power but maintain it’s not for Congress members to bend to outside pressure. Meanwhile, some moderate Republicans, like Rep. Don Bacon, believe Musk’s stance is premature and should be based on a fuller understanding of the bill’s contents.
Retiring GOP Rep. Debbie Lesko, who opposes the bill, expressed hope that Musk’s public stance will sway more Republicans to join her opposition.
