As House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) finds himself facing intense pressure, a new and unexpected figure is being floated as a potential solution. That person is none other than the one and only Elon Musk. The billionaire tech mogul, known for his outspoken political views and unfiltered social media presence, has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize Johnson’s proposed stopgap spending measure, which many conservatives see as a giveaway to Democrats in exchange for votes. This has sparked fresh speculation about Musk’s potential political future, with some MAGA voices suggesting he could be the bold, no-nonsense leader the House needs.
Musk’s digital rampage against the spending bill has been relentless. “This bill should not pass,” he declared in a post on Tuesday, doubling down with sharp warnings to Republican members of Congress. He called for a united front against the bill, urging lawmakers to back President-elect Trump in opposing it. The bill is seen by many conservatives as a pork-laden compromise that fails to rein in government spending and only appeases Democrats, rather than addressing the root issues of fiscal responsibility. Musk’s comments have not gone unnoticed in Washington, with some conservative voices seeing him as an unlikely but potentially powerful ally.
Among those voicing support for Musk is Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who on Wednesday floated the idea of Musk taking on the role of Speaker of the House. Responding to a post from Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Greene suggested, “I’d be open to supporting @elonmusk for Speaker of the House.” She argued that Musk’s leadership could bring much-needed “government efficiency” and “shatter the establishment” – goals that many MAGA supporters are clamoring for. This suggestion comes at a time when the GOP is deeply divided over Johnson’s leadership and the party’s direction.
The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress . . .
Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk . . . think about it . . . nothing’s impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka ‘uniparty,’ lose their ever-lovin’…
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 19, 2024
I’d be open to supporting @elonmusk for Speaker of the House.
DOGE can only truly be accomplished by reigning in Congress to enact real government efficiency.
The establishment needs to be shattered just like it was yesterday.
This could be the way. https://t.co/8YuL56e443
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) December 19, 2024
Meanwhile, President-elect Trump weighed in on the controversy, urging Republicans to reject the spending bill and stand firm against Democratic demands. “Republicans must GET SMART and TOUGH,” Trump declared in a Truth Social post, calling on the GOP to stop giving in to Democrat threats of a government shutdown. Trump’s remarks came just days after he said he would support Speaker Johnson—if Johnson could act decisively and forcefully in the face of Democratic opposition.
While the idea of Musk becoming Speaker might seem outlandish, the MAGA movement’s frustration with the GOP establishment is palpable. With many conservatives tired of backroom deals and appeasement, Musk’s name has entered the conversation as someone who could be the disruptive force needed to break the Washington gridlock. Whether or not Musk is actually interested in the role remains unclear, but the fact that his name is being tossed around speaks to the growing discontent with traditional Republican leadership and the desire for a leader who will fight without compromise.