Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has strongly criticized the influence of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk over the ongoing budget crisis in Washington. Clinton’s remarks come amidst rising tensions between House Democrats and the so-called “Extreme MAGA” Republicans, as they accuse the latter of driving the country toward a government shutdown.
In a pointed post on X (formerly Twitter), Clinton wrote: “If you’re just catching up: the Republican Party, taking orders from the world’s richest man, is on course to shut down the government over the holidays. Stopping paychecks for our troops and nutrition benefits for low-income families just in time for Christmas.”
The warning signals a growing political rift, as the U.S. government faces a looming shutdown deadline at midnight on Saturday. Without a deal, federal funding will cease, throwing critical services into jeopardy, just as the holiday season approaches. Fox News reports that Musk has publicly opposed the spending deal negotiated by House Speaker Mike Johnson with Democrats, prompting backlash from lawmakers across the political spectrum.
Musk, the world’s richest individual, reportedly threatened to support primary challengers against any Republican who voted for the original spending package, signaling his growing influence over the GOP’s stance on fiscal matters. His intervention has left many lawmakers, including some Republicans, uncomfortable with the outsized role the tech mogul is playing in shaping critical policy decisions.
In response, House Republicans put forward a new version of the spending plan on Thursday, which included both disaster aid and a two-year suspension of the debt ceiling, in line with requests from former President Donald Trump. Despite these revisions, the measure failed to pass, as it garnered little support from within the GOP ranks, while Democrats united in opposition. Many Democrats voiced dissatisfaction with Musk’s interference, underscoring the growing division and the high stakes of the ongoing budget battle.
As the clock ticks toward a potential shutdown, Clinton’s remarks underscore the broader concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of a few influential figures, including Musk, who is seen as playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of American governance. With critical services hanging in the balance, the coming days will determine whether Congress can avert a shutdown—or whether Musk’s influence will push the country over the brink.
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