Rand Paul suggests replacing House Speaker with Donald Trump's beloved tech mogul
House Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership is questioned after the spending bill collapse, with Sen. Rand Paul suggesting Elon Musk as a potential replacement.
US Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., has floated the idea of replacing House Speaker Mike Johnson with tech billionaire Elon Musk, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to co-chair the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) following the collapse of the continuing resolution spending bill.
Paul took to Musk’s social media platform, X, on Thursday morning to suggest, “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’ minds).”
The Tesla boss has also voiced his opposition to the spending bill. He took to X to condemn the legislation, stating, “Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years!”
ALSO READ| Musk's outrage spurs Trump to block bipartisan budget, government shutdown looms
Johnson faces pressure as GOP members criticize handling of deal
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., confirmed on Wednesday night that the deal was off. This followed a day of GOP members criticizing Johnson’s handling of the issue. Johnson, who became Speaker after Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was ousted last year, now faces increased pressure.
Democratic strategist Jimmy Williams dismissed the idea, tweeting, “Senators should stick to Senating and House Members should stick to their Chamber. No House Member gives a damn what a Senator thinks about who should be Speaker.”
However, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., expressed support for Musk: “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,” Greene wrote.
ALSO READ| Joe Biden to attend Trump's inauguration, refutes ‘childish game’
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., stated Wednesday that he would not support Johnson without a “Christmas miracle.” Meanwhile, Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., has withdrawn from caucusing with Republicans, further narrowing Johnson’s margin of support.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., also criticized Johnson’s leadership, calling the spending bill debacle a “horrible plan” during an appearance on ‘Hannity.’
