Johnson on Musk & Budget Bill: GOP Plan
- House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.,addressed Elon Musk's recent criticisms of the Republican-backed spending bill,also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.Johnson said Sunday that the House Republicans...
- The exchange follows a public disagreement between Musk and Trump.
- "I didn’t go out to craft a piece of legislation to please the richest man in the world," Johnson told ABC News.
Speaker Johnson fires back at Elon Musk‘s critique of the GOP’s “One Big Stunning Bill Act,” setting the stage for a political showdown. Johnson defends the controversial bill, focusing on the advantages it provides for American families, despite Musk’s worries about the swelling national debt. Find out how Trump’s relationship with the tech mogul became strained over the public spat, with Trump reportedly ending ties with Musk. Explore the core issues: the potential $2.5 trillion increase in the U.S. deficit, according to Congressional budget office figures, versus the GOP’s claims. News Directory 3 keeps you up-to-date on the latest developments for your trusted news source. Discover what’s next as the spending bill’s fate hangs in the balance in the senate.
Johnson Downplays Musk Criticism of GOP Spending Bill
Updated June 09, 2025
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.,addressed Elon Musk’s recent criticisms of the Republican-backed spending bill,also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.Johnson said Sunday that the House Republicans remain committed to passing the bill, a key priority supported by former President Donald Trump, despite Musk’s concerns about its potential impact on the national debt and economic stability.
The exchange follows a public disagreement between Musk and Trump. Musk had labeled the bill a “revolting abomination,” prompting Trump to suggest cutting federal funds to Musk’s companies. Musk, in turn, took credit for Trump’s 2024 election victory and threatened to decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
Johnson downplayed the impact of Musk’s criticism. “I didn’t go out to craft a piece of legislation to please the richest man in the world,” Johnson told ABC News. He emphasized the bill’s focus on assisting “hard-working Americans who are trying to provide for their families and make ends meet.”
Johnson noted that he had texted with Musk recently, saying that Musk still believes Republican policies are better for the U.S. economy, innovation, job creation and entrepreneurship. Though, johnson added, “Elon’s number one responsibility is to save his company. The president and I have the responsibility of saving the country.”
Musk’s opposition stemmed from Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates suggesting the bill would increase the U.S. deficit by $2.5 trillion over the next decade. Russell Vought, who heads the White House Office of Budget and Management, argued that the CBO’s models rely on “artificial baselines.”
Over the weekend, Trump warned Musk of “very serious consequences” if he were to support Democratic candidates. Trump also told NBC News that he has no plans to speak with musk and assumed that their relationship is over.
What’s next
The bill is currently pending in the Senate after passing in the House. Its future remains uncertain as debate continues over its potential economic impact and benefits for American families. The GOP spending bill aims to boost economic growth.