Summary
House Speaker Mike Johnson angered both his Republican caucus and Donald Trump by negotiating a bipartisan budget deal with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown.
Trump, feeling “blindsided” and “furious,” reportedly encouraged Elon Musk to attack House leadership on X, leading to over 100 posts that derailed the deal temporarily.
While the budget ultimately passed with Democratic support, far-right Republicans were left fuming.
The incident highlights tensions within GOP leadership and Trump’s use of Musk to wield influence over congressional negotiations.
He can fund a challenger.
What if the spectre of an army of Elon-backed challengers is what it takes to finally motivate campaign finance reform?
“Money is Speech, unless it’s funding my opponent” seems very appropriate for today’s Republican party.
I love your optimism and wish I shared in it.
True.
That’s his power and looks like that’s how he can make Congress do what he wants including confirming his cabinet.
Not sure why this is still a hard concept to grab, elections are always bought
The bottom line as always: “Money, dear boy.”