Speaker Mike Johnson has taken a firm stance in the ongoing fallout between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. Johnson, a Republican House leader and close Trump ally, dismissed Musk’s recent criticisms of the Republican tax and budget policy, asserting that they won’t impede the legislative process. In an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” Johnson declared that his priority is to assist hardworking Americans rather than tailor policies for the wealthiest individuals.
Johnson’s comments came after Musk labelled the Republican tax bill an “abomination” that would exacerbate US debts and disrupt economic stability. Musk has urged voters to rally against the bill, which has already passed the House and is awaiting action in the Senate. This critique prompted a heated exchange between Musk and Trump, with Trump expressing no intention of mending their relationship.
Despite Musk’s threats to financially support opponents of Republicans backing Trump’s legislation, Johnson remained unfazed. He noted that there had been little pushback from constituents, interpreting this as a sign that people are taking a “wait and see” approach. While some might agree with Musk, Johnson feels the majority recognise the potential benefits of the legislation.
Johnson also defended the merits of the policies, arguing that Musk fundamentally understands the advantages they could bring to innovation and job creation within the US economy. He countered claims from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) regarding the bill’s potential to add to national deficits, insisting Musk had received inaccurate information. The CBO’s analysis predicted that the legislation could increase the national debt by $2.4 trillion over the next decade, while extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts and reducing spending.
The speaker echoed traditional Republican arguments: that reducing taxes and cutting spending will ultimately lead to economic growth and lower deficits. Past administrations, including those of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, noted that despite similar tax cuts, deficits had still increased.
Russell Vought, from the White House Office of Budget and Management, also weighed in, suggesting that CBO’s forecasting models used “artificial baselines” that did not account for the longer-term effects of the tax changes. While acknowledging the CBO’s role, Vought hinted at the possibility that alternative analyses could be produced that might align more closely with Republican goals.
Amidst the Trump-Musk dispute, other Republicans have shown caution. Senator Markwayne Mullin likened the two businessmen’s conflict to that of a married couple, suggesting that disagreements don’t prevent a focus on what is best for the country.
As the situation unfolds, Johnson and other Republicans continue to champion their legislative initiatives, emphasizing their belief that the proposed policies will ultimately contribute positively to American families.