By JANE DOE
Speaker Mike Johnson took a bold stance on Sunday regarding President Donald Trump’s split with Elon Musk, showing an unusual level of assertiveness. The Republican House leader made it clear that Musk’s opposition to the GOP’s significant tax and budget policy bill will not derail the legislation, downplaying Musk’s influence over the Republican-controlled Congress.
Johnson emphasized that the focus of the bill is to assist hardworking Americans in providing for their families and making ends meet, rather than catering to the wealthiest individuals like Musk. Despite exchanging text messages with Musk following his criticism of the bill, Johnson remains firm in his support for the legislation.
Musk’s condemnation of the bill as an “abomination” that would increase U.S. debts and jeopardize economic stability led to a heated exchange on social media between him and Trump. The speaker disregarded Musk’s threats to fund opponents of Republican members, stating that the majority of calls to congressional offices have shown a cautious approach to the situation.
Johnson reiterated the belief that the GOP’s policies are beneficial for human flourishing, the U.S. economy, innovation, job creation, and entrepreneurship, all of which align with Musk’s interests despite his current stance.
Republicans, including Trump’s White House budget chief, continue to defend their tax and budget plans against projections of increased deficits and national debt. Johnson refuted the forecasts of the Congressional Budget Office, arguing that lower taxes and spending cuts would stimulate economic growth and reduce deficits over time.
White House Office of Budget and Management leader, Russell Vought, criticized CBO’s cost estimates, suggesting that the office’s models are based on artificial baselines that do not reflect the potential economic impact of the legislation accurately.
While some Republicans approached the Trump-Musk feud cautiously, others likened the situation to a married couple having disagreements but remaining focused on the greater good. Overall, the GOP remains committed to advancing their tax and budget agenda despite pushback from influential figures like Musk.
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Associated Press journalist Gary Fields contributed from Washington.
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