Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) called on billionaire Elon Musk to financially support primary challengers against nearly all House Republicans who backed President Donald Trump’s recent tax and budget bill. Massie made the remarks during an interview with Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
Massie said he does not usually challenge his colleagues in primaries but believes Musk should take that role now. When asked if he meant all 215 Republicans who voted for the bill, Massie replied, “There’s a few others that should be spared,” but added, “People want term limits, right? Elon can bring term limits.”
Musk publicly opposed the bill, calling it a “massive, outrageous, pork-filled congressional spending bill” and “a disgusting abomination.” He criticized those who voted for it and warned on social media that “in November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people.”
Massie agreed with Musk’s criticism but suggested primary challenges should happen sooner than November. “I would take them out in primaries if I were Elon Musk,” he said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and the White House have defended the legislation. Johnson responded sharply to Musk’s criticism during a press conference, calling Musk “flat wrong.” Johnson said he and Musk had been on good terms but was surprised by Musk’s sudden opposition to the bill.
The bill aims to advance Trump’s priorities on taxes, immigration, energy, defense, and the debt limit. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates it will add $2.4 trillion to the federal deficit over 10 years. GOP leaders dispute this projection, citing expected economic growth.
Massie was one of only three House Republicans to vote against the bill. Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) also voted no, while House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris (R-Md.) voted present. Massie has a history of opposing legislation that increases the federal debt, which currently stands near $37 trillion.
Supporters argue the bill reforms government programs, cuts waste, and funds border security while extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts. The bill now moves to the Senate, where Republicans have indicated they want changes.
The National Republican Congressional Committee did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Massie’s statements.
