House Speaker Mike Johnson, a representative from Louisiana, addressed the recent contention between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the president’s former key advisor, on CNBC this Friday. The friction arises over a domestic policy bill currently under scrutiny in the Senate.
Reports indicate that Musk criticized President Trump multiple times this past Thursday. He declared that the Republican party could not have won the White House or the House of Representatives without his support in the 2024 election. He also suggested that the Trump administration is delaying the release of government files about Jeffrey Epstein, alleging that Trump is implicated in them.
Speaker Johnson responded to these allegations on the “Squawk Box” on Friday. “Elon was a big contributor in the last election, but this was a team effort,” Johnson stated. He emphasized that Trump is a significant political figure in the modern American history and the key person responsible for the victory.
He also added that disagreements over policy differences shouldn’t become personal. Johnson compared the situation to his friendship with Musk stating, “I don’t argue with him about how to build rockets. I wish he wouldn’t argue with me about how to craft legislation and pass it.”
In a separate interview with ABC News on Friday, Johnson expressed disappointment over Musk’s sudden opposition. He voiced hope for reconciliation, adding, “I believe in redemption.” However, he cautioned not to question or underestimate President Trump, terming him as the leader of the party and a consequential political figure of modern times.
This discord between two influential figures highlights the often complex intersection between politics and business, a space where personal relations and policy debates can become intertwined.