Speaker Johnson tries to protect fate of megabill from Trump-Musk crossfire

Speaker Mike Johnson is diligently working to shift the spotlight back to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” amidst the ongoing feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The House-passed bill, aimed at advancing Trump’s legislative priorities, is currently under negotiation in the Senate. However, Musk has publicly denounced the bill, labeling it a “disgusting abomination” and urging Congress members to reject it.

The tension between Musk and Trump escalated on Thursday, culminating in a heated exchange between the two prominent figures. In response to Musk’s criticism, Trump remarked to ABC News on Friday morning that Musk had “lost his mind.”

Johnson, who was previously a strong supporter of Musk in Congress, is now focused on championing the legislative agenda put forth by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Despite being questioned about his trust in Musk by ABC News, Johnson brushed off the inquiry and redirected attention to the bill.

Emphasizing that his primary responsibility is to advance the legislative agenda, Johnson refrained from getting entangled in the public dispute between Musk and Trump. Nevertheless, he did engage in the online exchange on Thursday by responding to a critical post from Musk.

Several other House Republicans have also weighed in on the conflict, pondering whether Musk’s outspoken opposition to the bill could sway its passage. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie suggested that Musk’s influence may have altered the bill’s trajectory, given the public’s trust in the tech mogul over politicians.

GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene aligned with both Trump and Musk on different facets of the bill, voicing support for Musk’s concerns about the bill’s cost. She underscored the importance of prioritizing the advancement of Trump’s legislative agenda.

Amid calls for an end to the feud between Trump and Musk, Republican Rep. Troy Nehls urged for a resolution, asserting that “enough is enough.” Despite their public clash, some Republicans refrained from disparaging Musk, with Rep. Ralph Norman acknowledging Musk’s right to express his opinions and Rep. Warren Davidson advocating for unity.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries seized upon the discord between Trump and Musk, viewing it as a potential opportunity to thwart the GOP tax legislation. Jeffries characterized the clash as a “welcome development” in the pursuit of legislative goals.

In the midst of the ongoing turmoil, Johnson remains steadfast in his commitment to promoting the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and ensuring the advancement of Trump’s policy priorities through legislative channels. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the focus remains on navigating the complexities of policy-making amidst high-profile disagreements.