Johnson, Thune Defend Trump ‘Beautiful’ Bill From Musk’s Attacks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Top Republicans Mike Johnson and John Thune pushed back after Elon Musk blasted their tax-and-spending megabill. Musk labeled the bill a “disgusting abomination,” citing deficit concerns and urging voters to reject GOP supporters. GOP leaders defended the bill and emphasized Trump’s full support as they brace for tough 2026 elections.
GOP vs. Musk Megabill Feud: Quick Looks
- Johnson Reassures Republicans Behind Closed Doors: The House Speaker said he tried to call Musk and urged lawmakers not to take the criticism personally.
- Thune: Musk Won’t Derail the Senate Vote: The Senate GOP leader said Musk’s social media reach won’t affect critical votes.
- Musk Ramps Up Attacks Online: The Tesla and X owner calls the bill fiscally reckless, saying it worsens deficit spending.
- CBO Estimates Bill Adds $2.4T to Deficit: The Congressional Budget Office released projections confirming Musk’s concerns about rising debt.
- Trump Backs Bill Despite Musk’s Reversal: Johnson noted Trump is displeased with Musk’s criticism of his signature legislation.
- Scalise Downplays Political Fallout: House Majority Leader said GOP fundraising remains strong, with Trump leading support efforts.
- Musk Urges Voter Backlash in 2026: The billionaire suggested GOP lawmakers backing the bill should be primaried.
- Defections Limited, But Rand Paul Opposed: Senate Republicans can afford few dissenters; Paul is expected to vote no.
Deep Look: Republicans Push Back on Musk’s ‘Megabill’ Criticism as Intraparty Feud Escalates
WASHINGTON — Top Republican leaders mounted a strong defense Wednesday of their sweeping tax-and-spending bill after Elon Musk launched a fresh barrage of criticism, calling the legislation a “disgusting abomination” and encouraging voters to oust GOP lawmakers who support it.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune took center stage to counter Musk’s influence, seeking to reassure their ranks amid rising concern about backlash from the influential tech mogul and former Trump administration budget advisor.
Private Reassurances, Public Pushback
Johnson used a closed-door meeting with House Republicans Wednesday morning to personally address the issue. According to multiple sources present, the Speaker downplayed Musk’s remarks, telling lawmakers not to take the attacks personally and emphasizing that differing opinions are expected.
He revealed that he had tried to reach Musk by phone to explain the complexities behind the bill and a related spending clawback effort.
“I think he’s flat wrong, and I’ve told him as much,” Johnson said later in a press conference, signaling a clear break from Musk’s fiscal messaging.
Thune: No Panic in the Senate
Meanwhile, Thune acknowledged Musk’s influence but downplayed any threat to the bill’s passage in the Senate.
“Obviously he has some influence, got a big following on social media,” Thune said. “But at the end of the day, this is a 51-vote exercise. And the alternative isn’t a good one.”
Thune noted he had spoken with Musk “a couple days ago,” prior to Musk’s online tirade, in which he continued to rail against “massive deficit spending” and Congress’s failure to address it.
Musk: From Insider to Critic
Musk, who once advised the Trump administration on economic issues, has become an increasingly vocal critic of GOP spending habits, particularly in light of the $2.4 trillion increase to the deficit projected by the Congressional Budget Office.
The billionaire’s criticism has intensified in recent days, accusing Republicans of failing to uphold fiscal conservatism and calling the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” irresponsible.
GOP: Trump Still All In
Despite Musk’s about-face, Republican leaders emphasized that President Trump remains the driving force behind the bill.
“Trump is all in,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, brushing off concerns that Musk’s attacks could depress GOP momentum ahead of the 2026 elections.
“We’re exceeding fundraising goals across the board,” Scalise added. “And President Trump is leading the way to help us hold the House.”
Johnson echoed this message, revealing that Trump is “not delighted” with Musk’s reversal, especially as the legislation represents the cornerstone of Trump’s second-term agenda.
Rising Tensions, Steady Resolve
While Musk continues to use his massive online platforms to rally opposition, calling for GOP members to face primary challenges, party leaders are projecting calm.
“We’ve got to keep pushing our arguments out there,” Thune told reporters. “There’s going to be commentary from all sides. What matters is the outcome.”
With the bill still moving through Congress and Trump pressing for a Fourth of July signing deadline, the intra-party feud may continue to dominate headlines. But GOP leaders appear resolved to weather Musk’s fury—and stay the course.
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