Mike Johnson Calls for Trump and Musk to Reconcile Amid Ongoing Feud

Speaker Mike Johnson, Republican from Louisiana, is urging for unity within party ranks after a public clash erupted between former President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The dispute centered around the GOP’s high-profile legislative push, referred to by Trump and allies as "one big, beautiful bill," which aims to advance major Republican priorities ahead of the November elections.

“I was with the president in the Oval Office yesterday afternoon as some of this was unfolding, and I can tell you, as he said in his own words, he was just disappointed, and I was surprised by Elon’s sudden opposition,” Johnson told reporters on Friday. The Speaker emphasized his hope for reconciliation, stating, “I believe in redemption. That’s part of my worldview, and I think it’s good for the party and the country if all that’s worked out.”

Without naming Musk directly, Johnson issued a pointed defense of Trump’s leadership. “I’ll tell you what, do not doubt and do not second guess and don’t ever challenge the President of the United States, Donald Trump. He is the leader of the party, he’s the most consequential political figure of this generation, in probably the modern era, and he’s doing an excellent job for the people,” Johnson declared. The comments underscored the party's ongoing consolidation behind Trump, even in the face of criticism from high-profile figures like Musk.

Johnson revealed that he had exchanged text messages with Musk following the tech billionaire’s tirade, but declined to elaborate on the substance of their conversation. Despite the public fallout, the Speaker assured reporters that Republican lawmakers remained united and undeterred. “Members are not shaken at all. We are going to pass this legislation on our deadline, and we’re very bullish about it,” Johnson said.

The White House echoed calls for party unity, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that President Trump is “focused on making our country great again and passing the One Big Beautiful Bill.” Trump himself appeared dismissive of Musk’s criticisms, telling an interviewer on Friday that he was uninterested in further dialogue with the Tesla CEO and unconcerned about any potential third-party effort. “Elon’s totally lost it,” the former president remarked.

Musk, who has wielded increasing influence in American politics, accused House Republicans of failing to sufficiently rein in federal spending with their budget reconciliation proposal. He specifically named Trump, Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune as falling short on fiscal responsibility, sharpening his attacks via social media.

Nevertheless, Republican lawmakers have largely closed ranks around Trump and their sweeping legislative agenda, signaling their intent to proceed undeterred by outside criticism. As the debate unfolds, the rift between Republican leadership and one of the nation’s most prominent tech moguls highlights deeper tensions over the direction and priorities of the GOP heading into a pivotal election season.