The dramatic failure of the continuing resolution spending bill has placed significant pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) leadership. Meanwhile, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has proposed a surprising alternative: Elon Musk, President-elect Trump’s nominee to co-chair the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), as a potential candidate for the role.
On Thursday morning, Paul suggested the idea on Musk’s platform, X, highlighting that the position of House Speaker does not require the individual to be a current member of Congress.
Sen. Rand Paul suggested on X that electing Elon Musk as House Speaker would shake up Washington, noting the position doesn’t require congressional membership. Musk, a strong critic of government spending, has led opposition to the recent spending bill, calling for lawmakers who support it to be voted out.
“Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years!” Musk posted.
The revised, slimmer spending bill also failed to pass Thursday after lacking the required two-thirds majority to bypass committee approval. It’s unclear whether Paul’s suggestion of Musk as Speaker was serious or sarcastic, though Democratic strategist Jimmy Williams dismissed it, stating, “Senators should stick to Senating.” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, however, supported the idea.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed support for Musk as House Speaker, tweeting, “DOGE can only be accomplished by reigning in Congress to enact real government efficiency. The establishment needs to be shattered.”
Sen. Josh Hawley criticized the spending bill, calling it a “horrible plan” and expressing frustration with Republican leadership. He argued it would add to the deficit and push the government into another shutdown.
Vice President-elect JD Vance met with Rep. Mike Johnson and other Republicans after the bill failed, discussing government funding and a potential shutdown. When asked about a debt limit increase, Vance blasted Democrats for pushing a shutdown over negotiating leverage and global censorship.
