President-elect Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk teamed up to derail a bipartisan budget deal, demanding a renewed focus on the looming debt ceiling crisis. Trump, along with Vice President-elect JD Vance, issued a joint statement rejecting the measure, citing excessive spending and calling for renegotiations. Musk, a vocal Trump ally, had stirred outrage on social media against the bill, threatening primary challenges against Republicans who supported it.
President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. on Wednesday, rejecting the measure as full of giveaways to Democrats after billionaire ally Elon Musk whipped up outrage toward the bill and cheered on Republican lawmakers who announced their opposition.
The episode showcased the growing political influence of Musk, whom Trump has selected alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to spearhead theRep. Andy Barr, a Republican from Kentucky, said his office was flooded with calls from constituents. In his statement with Vance, Trump said Republicans should restart negotiations over the legislation, arguing that “anything else is a betrayal of our country.” He also called for including an extension of the debt ceiling while President Joe Biden is in office.
Many lawmakers were in the middle of holiday and year-end celebrations with staff when Trump came out against the legislation. “In five years in Congress, I’ve been awaiting a fundamental change in the dynamic,” posted Rep. Dan Bishop, a Republican from North Carolina. “It has arrived.”
Donald Trump Elon Musk Budget Deal Debt Ceiling Republican Party