Donald Trump has set a clear challenge for House Speaker Mike Johnson, demanding stronger action from him to retain his leadership role in the next Congress.
Johnson’s recent moves on government funding have sparked criticism from within the Republican Party, with Trump and his allies voicing their dissatisfaction.
The president-elect warned that unless Johnson demonstrates toughness and resolves the funding impasse, his position as Speaker could be at risk.
Trump’s discontent stems from a proposed funding package that he claims favors Democrats and fails to address key Republican priorities.
Elon Musk as a Wild Card?
In a surprising twist, Senator Rand Paul floated an unconventional idea: appointing Elon Musk as the next House Speaker.
Paul noted that the Constitution does not require the Speaker to be a member of Congress, opening the door for non-traditional candidates.
“Nothing would shake up Washington like electing Elon Musk,” Paul stated, adding that such a move would upend the status quo.
Musk, known for his outspoken views, has also joined the chorus of criticism against Johnson’s spending plan, calling it wasteful and demanding better fiscal responsibility.
Johnson’s Plan Meets Resistance
Speaker Johnson’s proposal to extend government funding until March faced immediate backlash.
Critics, including Trump and Musk, lambasted the bill for being overly bloated with unnecessary spending, including provisions for congressional pay raises and unrelated disaster relief.
The measure, unveiled just days before a looming government shutdown, left Republicans scrambling to revise the 1,547-page document.
Trump declared the proposal a trap set by Democrats, urging Republicans to reject it outright.
Trump and Vance: The Push for a Clean Bill
Trump, along with Vice President-elect JD Vance, called for a “clean continuing resolution” that excludes extra spending provisions.
In a joint statement, they emphasized the need to address the debt ceiling before January 2025, warning that delaying action would weaken their administration’s fiscal leverage.
Their position has gained traction among conservative Republicans, many of whom are frustrated with the current proposal.
Trump also used his platform on TruthSocial to rally opposition, threatening primary challenges against any Republican who supports the bill.
Musk’s Influence in the Debate
Musk has been a vocal critic of the funding package, taking to social media to denounce its contents.
He questioned the inclusion of pay raises for Congress and criticized the rushed timeline for reviewing such a massive bill.
After engaging in discussions with Johnson and other leaders, Musk doubled down on his opposition, stating, “This bill must not pass.”
His influence within Trump’s circle has added pressure on Republican leadership to reconsider their approach.
What’s Next for the GOP?
With less than 48 hours until a potential government shutdown, Republicans are racing against the clock to finalize a funding plan.
Speaker Johnson finds himself in a precarious position, balancing party demands while negotiating with Democrats.
The fallout from this debate is likely to shape the Republican leadership battle in the coming months.
Hardline conservatives, emboldened by Trump and Musk’s critiques, may challenge Johnson’s role as Speaker.
The GOP’s path forward remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the party must navigate these internal divisions to avoid political fallout and maintain its unity heading into the next Congress.