In a bold show of party unity, House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a direct warning to tech mogul Elon Musk following a public disagreement over President Donald Trump’s landmark budget and tax reform bill.
“Don’t doubt or challenge the president,” Johnson told reporters on Capitol Hill. “Donald J. Trump is not only the leader of our party—he’s the most consequential political figure of our generation, maybe of the modern era.”
The statement followed a fiery exchange between Musk and Trump, as the Tesla and SpaceX CEO criticized what has been dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill”—a sweeping conservative initiative designed to slash $1.6 trillion in federal spending while delivering historic tax cuts for working Americans and retirees.
Johnson: Trump’s Plan is a Path to Prosperity
Musk, posting on X (formerly Twitter), questioned Johnson’s stance on fiscal responsibility, referencing past statements from 2023. Johnson fired back, reaffirming his lifelong commitment to limited government and balanced budgets.
“I’m still that same fiscal hawk,” Johnson wrote. “As Speaker, I’m now implementing a multi-phase strategy to restore economic sanity and unleash extraordinary growth for all Americans.”
In a CNBC interview Friday, Johnson expressed personal disappointment in Musk’s criticism. “He’s a friend. I respect him. But now’s the time to work together—not attack each other publicly,” he said.
Trump Responds: “This Bill is the Biggest Tax Cut in American History”
President Trump addressed the controversy directly on Truth Social, stating:
“Elon deciding to oppose me doesn’t bother me—but he should’ve spoken up long ago. This bill is one of the most important ever brought before Congress. It delivers historic tax relief and slashes government spending. If it fails, Americans could see tax hikes as high as 68%. I didn’t cause this disaster—I’m the one working to fix it. We’re putting our country back on the path to greatness. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Trump’s comments quickly gained traction across conservative platforms and talk radio, especially among seniors, veterans, and small business owners who stand to benefit from the bill’s provisions.
Vance and Kirk Back Trump, Call for Unity
Vice President JD Vance backed Trump unequivocally, writing:
“President Trump has done more than anyone in my lifetime to earn the trust of the conservative movement. I proudly stand with him.”
Conservative leader Charlie Kirk reminded supporters of the alliance between Musk and MAGA:
“We stood with Elon when Biden’s Democrats targeted Tesla and SpaceX. Elon stood with us on free speech. We’ve achieved so much together—it’s time to stay united.”
Democrats Echo Musk’s Complaints—And That’s Telling
Interestingly, House Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries agreed with Musk’s harsh assessment of the bill, calling it “a disgusting abomination.” For many conservatives, that’s all the more reason to support it.
Will Musk and Trump Reconcile?
It remains unclear whether Musk and President Trump will speak directly to clear the air. What is clear, however, is that unity among conservatives is vital. With slim majorities in Congress, the stakes are high. President Trump has called for the Senate to pass the bill by July 4—framing it as a turning point for America’s economic revival.