Elon Musk played a key role in the US government shutdown crisis, alongside President-elect Donald Trump. The Republican-controlled US House of Representatives passed a bill on Friday to avoid a midnight shutdown. Now, the Democratic-controlled Senate needs to approve it to ensure the government stays funded beyond the current funding deadline.
Potential Impact of a Shutdown
A government shutdown would have disrupted everything from law enforcement to national parks. It could have suspended paychecks for millions of federal workers. The travel industry warned that a shutdown might cost airlines, hotels, and other businesses up to $1 billion per week. Travelers could have faced long lines at airports, especially during the busy Christmas season.
Bipartisan Challenges and Controversy
The bill, passed with a bipartisan vote of 366-34, closely resembled a plan that was previously discarded. This decision came after Musk and Trump raised objections, citing unnecessary provisions, such as a pay raise for lawmakers and restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers.
Trump and Musk’s Involvement
Trump’s involvement in the funding bill was no surprise. The incoming president had doubled down on his demand to raise the debt ceiling, a critical issue that could push the nation’s borrowing capacity into the new year. His rhetoric on social media was clear: “If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now.” This emphasized the importance of a debt limit increase.
The pushback from Trump caused deep divisions within the GOP. Many Republicans, particularly fiscal conservatives, were unwilling to support a measure that increased the debt ceiling. House Speaker Mike Johnson found himself in a difficult position, needing to balance Trump’s demands with the need to avoid a shutdown.
Musk’s Pressure and Social Media Impact
Musk’s influence extended beyond the business world, even though he held no official position in Washington. Trump appointed Musk to lead a budget-cutting task force, giving him informal power to shape policy. Musk used his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to rally opposition against the original plan proposed by Johnson.
Musk’s criticism focused on provisions he saw as unnecessary, including pay raises for lawmakers and new restrictions on Chinese investments. His tweets signaled his disapproval, with one message reading, “It went from a bill that weighed pounds to a bill that weighed ounces.” This showed Musk’s approval of the revised plan that removed many of his concerns.
Coordinated Efforts from Trump and Musk
Trump’s backing of a revised spending plan reflected his reliance on Musk’s input. Although the revised plan did not succeed, Musk’s influence remained evident. Both Trump and Musk worked closely to influence Speaker Johnson’s approach, with Musk’s support proving crucial in galvanizing conservative opposition to the original plan.
Reaching a Compromise
The final 118-page package passed by the House was a compromise. It stripped away many controversial provisions, funding the government through March and providing $100 billion in disaster aid. However, it did not include Trump’s insistence on raising the debt ceiling, an important concession made to secure enough votes within his party.
Musk’s Increasing Influence
The passage of the bill exposed the growing power that Musk holds in Washington. As the incoming head of the Department of Government Efficiency in Trump’s administration, Musk has the potential to push forward an agenda focused on cutting government spending and increasing efficiency.
Crisis Averted, But Challenges Remain
The government shutdown crisis was narrowly averted when the House passed the bill with a 366-34 vote. More Democrats supported the bill than Republicans. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass quickly. President Biden has indicated he will sign it into law.
Despite the bill’s relatively smooth passage, the power struggles between the White House, Congress, and Silicon Valley are far from over. Musk, known for his stance on free speech, now plays a significant role in shaping government policy. While the immediate crisis has been defused, the ongoing influence of both Musk and Trump cannot be overlooked.