Speaker Mike Johnson Defends Trump's Agenda Against Musk’s Criticism of GOP Spending Bill

In a bold and determined response to Elon Musk's sharp critique of the GOP's massive tax cuts and spending bill, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) called the billionaire's remarks “terribly wrong.”

The comments came just minutes after Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, publicly slammed the legislation on social media, calling it “a disgusting abomination.”

The public clash between one of the world’s wealthiest individuals and the GOP’s leadership reflects the ongoing tensions within the party and its broader policy agenda.

On Tuesday, Johnson addressed reporters at the Capitol, expressing disappointment in Musk's criticism, especially after the two had a lengthy and cordial conversation just the day before.

"Let me say this: It’s very disappointing," Johnson told the press. He continued, "With all due respect, my friend Elon is terribly wrong about the one big, beautiful bill.”

The Speaker’s response was a clear sign that despite the tech mogul’s prominent influence, the GOP remains firm in its support for the legislation and its broader fiscal goals.

The “big, beautiful bill,” a sweeping piece of legislation aimed at cutting taxes, reducing government spending, and bolstering the economy, has been a focal point of Republican efforts to reshape the federal budget and reduce the deficit.

However, Musk’s criticism centers on the bill’s price tag and some specific provisions, particularly the elimination of electric vehicle (EV) tax credits.

Johnson's remarks on Tuesday, which came after the two spoke for over 20 minutes on Monday, indicated the Speaker’s commitment to defending the bill and its principles, even in the face of high-profile dissent from someone as influential as Musk.

Musk’s comments, which were shared with his millions of followers on social media platform X, painted a dire picture of the bill’s potential consequences.

"I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it," Musk wrote, emphasizing his frustration with the legislative package.

He further criticized the bill for massively increasing the federal deficit and burdening American citizens with what he termed “unsustainable debt.” According to Musk, the bill would increase the national debt by an astronomical $2.5 trillion.

In response, Speaker Johnson reiterated his belief in the importance of the bill, particularly its potential to drive economic growth and address key fiscal concerns.

He expressed that his conversation with Musk had been friendly and productive, noting that while Musk’s position on the EV tax credit was understandable given his business interests, it should not overshadow the broader benefits of the bill.

"I know that the EV mandate is very important to him; that is going away because the government should not be subsidizing these things as part of the Green New Deal," Johnson explained.

He acknowledged that the elimination of electric vehicle incentives could negatively impact Musk’s business interests but stressed that this was only one aspect of a much larger and more important legislative effort.

Johnson also made it clear that he believes Musk’s criticism of the entire bill is misplaced. “For him to come out and pan the whole bill is to me just very disappointing — very surprising, in light of the conversation I had with him yesterday,” Johnson said.

The Speaker suggested that Musk’s opposition could be partly attributed to his personal financial interests in the EV industry, noting that Tesla, Musk’s flagship company, has greatly benefited from government incentives in the past.

Despite the tension between Musk and the Speaker, Johnson remained composed and focused on the ultimate goal of advancing the bill.

He stated, “I deeply regret that he’s made this mistake,” reinforcing the message that while disagreements on specific provisions are inevitable, the larger picture must be prioritized.

The Speaker’s willingness to stand firm in defense of the bill, despite criticism from a high-profile figure, underscores his determination to push forward with President Trump’s agenda, which seeks to reduce government overreach and curb unnecessary spending.

This public dispute between Johnson and Musk is not just about one bill; it highlights a larger philosophical divide within the Republican Party.  On one side are figures like Johnson, who support President Trump’s vision of a streamlined government, lower taxes, and fiscal conservatism.

On the other side are individuals like Musk, who, despite being a major supporter of Republican policies on many issues, are now challenging certain aspects of the GOP’s economic agenda.

Musk, for his part, has long been a supporter of low taxes, deregulation, and market-driven solutions but is clearly frustrated by the lack of focus on innovation and sustainability in this particular piece of legislation.

Musk’s criticism of the bill has stirred debate within GOP circles, but Speaker Johnson, undeterred, expressed confidence that the Republican majority in Congress would ultimately push the bill through.

"No, I’m not worried about that,” he said when asked if he feared Musk’s remarks might undermine support for the legislation. “We have to get this job done, and we will.”

This confidence reflects Johnson’s belief that the underlying principles of the bill will resonate with lawmakers and that its passage is essential for the long-term health of the U.S. economy.

The bill’s passage through the House was hard-fought, with a narrow 215-214-1 vote in favor last month. It now heads to the Senate, where Republicans are working to make additional changes before sending it back to the House for final approval.

President Trump has been directly involved in the process, speaking with conservative lawmakers who were initially hesitant to support the bill.

His personal involvement has been crucial in ensuring that the package gains traction within the party, particularly among Republicans who are wary of its cost and long-term impact.

Despite Musk’s vocal criticism, both Speaker Johnson and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt brushed off concerns that his comments could derail the bill’s passage.

Leavitt, speaking on behalf of the administration, made it clear that President Trump remained fully committed to the bill and that Musk’s opinion would not sway his stance.

"The president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill; it doesn’t change the president’s opinion,” Leavitt said. “This is one big, beautiful bill, and he’s sticking to it."

The GOP’s message remains focused on the positive aspects of the legislation, including its potential to reduce the deficit, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs.

Republicans are framing the bill as a crucial step toward fiscal responsibility, which aligns with the Trump administration’s broader goals of reducing wasteful government spending and returning power to the American people.

In conclusion, the public disagreement between Speaker Mike Johnson and Elon Musk is a reflection of the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party, as well as the broader debate over fiscal policy and government spending.

While Musk’s criticism of the “big, beautiful bill” highlights his concerns over specific provisions, Speaker Johnson and President Trump remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing the legislation.

Despite the setback of Musk’s public disapproval, Republicans are united in their belief that the bill will serve the best interests of the American people by promoting economic growth and ensuring fiscal discipline.

With the House and Senate working together to refine the package, it seems likely that the “one big, beautiful bill” will eventually make its way to the president’s desk, marking a significant victory for the Trump administration and its supporters in Congress.