House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) spoke during an interview on Friday, dismissing concerns about Elon Musk’s influence on the campaign following the public fallout between the tech billionaire and President Trump, indicating he was not overly concerned.
The tension between Trump and Musk stemmed from Musk’s critiques regarding the president’s legislative efforts in Congress. Johnson has fostered a close relationship with officials in the administration, asserting that Musk was misinformed about the “big beautiful” spending package.
“Honestly, it doesn’t concern me. We will succeed regardless because we’re committed to delivering on our promises to hardworking Americans,” Johnson stated during his appearance on Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime.”
“I have a good relationship with Elon and I admire him. We’ve even become friends through this process,” he added. “I reached out to him again this week… I’m ensuring he has accurate details about the bill, as I believe he might have misunderstood some aspects.”
Musk, who contributed hundreds of millions to support Trump’s 2024 presidential bid, has been the leading financial backer in this White House race.
Following their recent discord, which became public as they exchanged insults and threats, Musk contended that without his political spending, Trump would have faced defeat against former Vice President Harris. In response, Trump threatened to cut all federal contracts with billionaire corporations.
As the conflict escalated, the tech executives floated the idea of forming a third political party, accusing the president of having affiliations with the late Jeffrey Epstein. Trump has refuted any close connections with the disgraced financier.
Musk’s discontent with the GOP Megabill—deeming it “unpleasant and hateful”—is mainly due to its approach to deficit spending. The billionaire expressed concerns that the legislation contributes to increased national debt and lacks adequate spending cuts. The proposal is anticipated to face significant challenges in the Senate.
Having recently parted ways with Trump’s top advisor for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk seemed open to mending relations on Friday, although it appeared the president was ready to move forward.
In his interview on Friday, Johnson defended the spending bill and commended Trump for his stance during the ongoing disputes.
“We’re on track for positive outcomes… I appreciate the president’s proactive approach. He is moving ahead, which is necessary,” he conveyed to the host. “He is focused on delivering for the people, and so are Republicans in both the House and Senate.”
“We are committed to making this happen, just as I’ve promised,” the speaker added. “If you are a hardworking American struggling to support your family, you will appreciate this legislation.”
The Louisiana Republican further stated, “Before the midterm elections in 2026, we anticipate all boats will rise and everyone will feel significantly better.”
Source: thehill.com