House Republicans move ahead with President Trump’s $3.3 trillion bill, shrugging off Elon Musk’s primary threats as debate intensifies over the legislation’s impact and necessity.

GOP Unmoved by Musk’s Criticism and Warnings

As the House prepares for a critical vote on President Donald Trump’s expansive legislative package, leading Republicans remain unfazed by threats from tech billionaire Elon Musk. Once the head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has criticized the bill’s $3.3 trillion price tag and warned he may support primary challengers against GOP members who back the measure. Despite Musk’s vocal opposition and history of campaign involvement, lawmakers insist the bill is a top priority.

Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., expressed appreciation for Musk’s past government work but emphasized the necessity of the legislation. “Elon, we appreciate all the work he did with DOGE… but at the same time, this is something we’ve got to do,” Carter said. Fellow Republican Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., dismissed concerns about Musk’s threats, stating, “I don’t worry about Elon Musk. DOGE found some good things we needed to remedy, but the $2 trillion that Elon said he was going to find, he didn’t.”

Musk’s main objections center on the bill’s expansion of the federal debt, already at $37 trillion, and the additional costs from Senate changes. He criticized lawmakers for failing to reduce spending, even as fiscal hawks in the House also voiced concern over provisions related to Medicaid and green energy subsidies.

Republicans Defend the Bill’s Provisions

Despite internal tensions, GOP leadership remains resolute. Rep. Brad Knott, R-N.C., highlighted provisions that aim to cut over $1.5 trillion in spending, helping offset the cost of extending or making permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. “I appreciate Mr. Musk’s motivation… I hope he’ll take a step back and realize that we’re still all on the same team here,” Knott said, underscoring the bill’s intended benefits.

House Republicans, having endured hours of delays and heated negotiations, are confident in their strategy. Leadership believes the bill’s passage is critical not just for fiscal policy, but also for demonstrating party unity and delivering on President Trump’s priorities.

As debate rages and the vote approaches, Republicans are focused on advancing what they describe as essential reforms. The confrontation with Musk, while high-profile, appears unlikely to derail the momentum behind Trump’s sweeping legislative agenda.