Trump and Musk team up to sink Bipartisan budget deal

In a dramatic political move, President-elect Donald Trump, with Vice President-elect JD Vance by his side, derailed bipartisan congressional budget negotiations on Wednesday. Trump rejected the proposed budget as overly favorable to Democrats, aligning with billionaire ally Elon Musk, who had criticized the bill for its alleged excessive spending.

“Stop the steal of your tax dollars!” Musk declared on his social media platform X, threatening to back primary challengers against lawmakers supporting the bill. Trump echoed this sentiment, amplifying Musk’s call for fiscal restraint and tighter negotiations.

This episode highlights the rising influence of Musk, who Trump has tapped to co-lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. The task force is tasked with proposing strategies to reduce federal programs, fire government workers, and streamline regulations.

Musk’s social media campaign gained swift traction, with lawmakers like Rep. Andy Barr (R-Kentucky) reporting an outpouring of constituent concerns. “The people who elected us are listening to Elon Musk,” Barr noted.

In a joint statement with Vance, Trump urged Republicans to renegotiate the bill, emphasizing the need for a debt ceiling extension under President Joe Biden’s tenure.

“If Democrats won’t cooperate on a debt ceiling increase now, what makes anyone think they would do it in June during our administration?” Trump and Vance argued.

The rejection sent shockwaves through Congress, blindsiding House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had painstakingly negotiated the deal. The disruption recalled the high-stakes brinkmanship of Trump’s first term, as Republicans grappled with internal divisions and a looming government shutdown.

While some Republicans welcomed the shake-up, others expressed frustration at the chaos.

“We shouldn’t be in this mess,” said Rep. Steve Womack (R-Arkansas), a senior appropriator.

Democratic leaders blamed Republicans for jeopardizing the bipartisan agreement.

“They will hurt hardworking Americans and create instability across the country,” warned White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

Musk’s involvement drew both praise and criticism. Supporters, like Rep. Dan Bishop (R-North Carolina), hailed his influence, declaring, “A fundamental change in the dynamic has arrived.”

Critics, however, questioned Musk’s qualifications to lead budget debates. Grover Norquist, a prominent fiscal conservative, commented, “He doesn’t know politics like he knows physics.”

Musk, undeterred, celebrated his role in halting the bill. “The voice of the people was heard. This was a good day for America,” he posted on X.

With negotiations stalled and a shutdown looming, Congress faces mounting pressure to find a resolution. As the fallout continues, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned Republicans, “You break the bipartisan agreement, you own the consequences that follow.”