As the deadline approaches for Congress to pass a spending bill and avoid a government shutdown, tensions are running high, with significant opposition from influential figures like Elon Musk. Speaker Mike Johnson has been working tirelessly to get the bill through, but Musk’s outspoken criticism has stirred a storm, particularly with his strong social media presence. Musk, who has close ties with former President Donald Trump, has been vocal about rejecting the bill, warning lawmakers that any who support it will face political consequences.
Musk took to social media platform X to voice his disapproval of the proposed stopgap funding bill. He urged lawmakers to reject it, calling it “outrageous” and claiming that any member of Congress who votes in favour should be voted out in the next election. With over 200 million followers, Musk’s words carry significant weight, and he encouraged his followers to directly contact their representatives to oppose the bill.
Ever seen a bigger piece of pork? pic.twitter.com/ZesFCNSNKp
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 18, 2024
In a separate post, Musk suggested that no funding bills should pass until Trump takes office, which adds a layer of political complexity to the situation. Despite Trump not publicly commenting on the bill, sources claim he is privately opposed to it, further complicating efforts to reach a consensus in Congress. Republican Senator Mitt Romney has pushed Trump to clarify his position, noting the potential consequences for the upcoming vote.
Speaker Mike Johnson, who is navigating the slim Republican majority in the House alongside a Democratic-controlled Senate and White House, has defended the bill. He acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that passing the bill is crucial to avoiding a shutdown and setting the stage for Trump’s America First agenda when the new Congress begins in January.
The swamp is trying to ram through a 1,500 page spending bill.
Congressmembers haven’t even received the text yet.
The deadline is Friday.
This is utter insanity.
The American people are so sick of this sh*t!!! pic.twitter.com/1DeaphGzYM
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 17, 2024
The bill includes $100 billion in disaster relief for recent hurricanes and $10 billion in aid for farmers. Johnson justified these expenditures, arguing that they are necessary to assist Americans affected by natural disasters, ensuring they receive the relief they need.
ELON MUSK: “A super fair & simple bill was put to a vote and only 2 Democrats in Congress were in favor. Shame on @RepJeffries for rejecting a fair & simple spending bill that is desperately needed by states suffering from hurricane damage.” pic.twitter.com/z0JvLkzvV9
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) December 20, 2024
Despite the urgency, divisions within the Republican Party have been evident. Representative Chip Roy, a conservative figure, voiced his frustration over the bill’s spending, criticizing it as a failure to address the need for smaller government. Musk himself mocked the size of the bill, adding to the growing dissent among fiscal conservatives.
Republicans CANNOT allow millions of Americans devastated by the historic hurricane season, or our struggling farmers, go without the help they desperately need.
We will decide FY25 spending in March, when Trump is back in the WH and Republicans control the Senate and House. pic.twitter.com/f8OpQleOoJ
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) December 18, 2024
However, Johnson remains determined to get the measure passed as a temporary fix to avoid a shutdown. He views it as a necessary step to buy time until more significant changes can be made in the new year.
DO NOT PASS THE CR BILL!!
SHUT IT DOWN!1500 pages of nonsense, This will totally undermine Trump and DOGE. Which is obviously the whole point. Trying to limit any serious reform.
Section 605 of the Continuing Resolution is Blanket Immunity for Congress!!!
40% pay raise! pic.twitter.com/OIh0MTI9Jt— Patriot Nonna 🗽 (Nikki) (@Patriot_Nonna) December 18, 2024
The growing divide between Republicans and Democrats has intensified in recent days. On Thursday, a new proposal to avoid a government shutdown failed to gain sufficient support in the House, with dozens of Republicans joining Democrats to vote against it. Lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, accused Republicans of backing away from a bipartisan agreement, further fuelling the gridlock.
President Trump will work with @DOGE and Congress to get major spending reform and cuts next year in reconciliation.
This CR is a win, win, win.
House Republicans should pass the deal tonight! pic.twitter.com/GPThheyf3W
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) December 19, 2024
In a surprising turn, former President Donald Trump has weighed in to support the new funding proposal, calling it a “success” and praising the relief it provides to Americans impacted by recent disasters. This shift in support comes after Trump, Musk, and Vivek Ramaswamy, both influential figures in Trump’s circle, had previously opposed the deal.
The clock is ticking, and if Congress does not reach an agreement by midnight on Friday, a government shutdown will take effect, furloughing thousands of federal employees and disrupting critical services. Among the services that will continue operating are Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, as these are funded through mandatory spending.
The consequences of a shutdown are far-reaching, particularly as it comes just before the holiday season, and with the pressure mounting, it remains to be seen whether Congress will manage to pass a deal before the deadline.
Do not pass this bill, Elon and Vivek is right!! pic.twitter.com/Le4sE1O4JB
— X’er90 🇺🇲 ✝️ (@Thiessen90Xx) December 18, 2024
The swamp is pushing a 1,500-page spending bill, and Congress hasn’t even seen the text yet—with the deadline looming Friday.
This is absolute madness. The American people are fed up. Do NOT pass this bill! pic.twitter.com/i0Ppg7FRN7
— Axel (@AxelCharai) December 18, 2024
“Cramnibus” bill wasteful $$$$
1. Pay Raise for Senators
2. Congress Obamacare Opt-Out
3. $100B in Unpaid-for Spending
4. Pork-filled Disaster Aid
5. Legislative Add-OnsCongress
Vote NO
DO NOT PASS THIS BILL
We The People pic.twitter.com/GwiRClMkDI— The Surreal D2 (@d2wuzup) December 18, 2024
