With the government shutdown deadline looming this Friday, House Republicans are accusing Democrats of opposing a critical funding bill out of their alleged hatred for Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The heated rhetoric underscores the deep political divisions surrounding Musk’s controversial role in reshaping the federal government.
Republicans Blame Democrats for Political Games
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) didn’t mince words when speaking to Fox News Digital, accusing Democrats of prioritizing their disdain for Musk and former President Donald Trump over the nation’s stability.
“They hate Elon Musk and Donald Trump more than they love their country,” Mace said. “They’re just losing their f—— minds.”
Mace expressed hope that some Democrats would still vote for the continuing resolution (CR), a stopgap funding measure, noting that they had supported similar measures under President Joe Biden. “I mean, they voted for every CR under the sun when Biden was president. That’s what this is—it’s just political games,” she added.
Democrats Push Back
Democrats, however, deny that their opposition to the funding bill is driven by Musk. Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) told Fox News Digital that Musk’s actions are damaging but irrelevant to his legislative decisions.
“Musk doesn’t live rent-free in my head,” Crow said. “I’m not making legislative decisions based upon Elon Musk and what he does and doesn’t do in any given day… I’m focusing on my constituents.”
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) shifted the focus to House Republicans, criticizing them for relying on a CR instead of passing individual appropriations bills for fiscal year 2025. “Speaker Johnson promised to do individual spending bills. That was his pitch to his colleagues in order to remain speaker. OK. He’s the one who’s going back on his word to his own colleagues,” Moskowitz said.
Musk as a Political Lightning Rod
Despite their denials, Democrats have repeatedly invoked Musk in their criticisms of the GOP’s funding plan. House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) accused Republicans of prioritizing tax breaks for Musk and Trump’s allies over critical programs.
“It takes away veterans’ healthcare. It takes away critical research funding. Those are the things that House Republicans are willing to do just to give Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s friends continued tax breaks. That’s unacceptable to House Democrats,” Aguilar said.
Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his opposition, writing, “Trump and Musk are illegally shutting down federal agencies, mass firing federal workers, and freezing congressionally mandated funding. It’s causing massive job losses and economic chaos for my constituents, and the Republican CR would continue this disaster. I will vote no.”
The Stakes of the Funding Bill
The proposed CR would freeze government funding at fiscal year 2024 levels through October 1, 2026, with additional funding for defense and cuts to nondefense programs. House GOP aides claim the bill includes extra funding for veterans’ healthcare, contradicting Democratic assertions.
As of Monday night, several Republicans remain undecided on the bill, despite former President Trump’s efforts to rally support. Trump has been calling GOP lawmakers to urge them to back the CR, emphasizing the need to avoid a shutdown.
Will a Shutdown Be Averted?
Historically, Democrats have voted in large numbers to prevent government shutdowns. This time, however, Republicans may need to shoulder the burden alone. With tensions high and the deadline fast approaching, the fate of the funding bill—and the government—hangs in the balance.
One thing is clear: Elon Musk’s role in the federal government has become a flashpoint in the debate, further polarizing an already divided Congress.
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