Governor DeSantis blasts House Republicans for “betrayal of voters” after failing to implement a single DOGE cut proposed by Elon Musk, despite the billionaire’s personal sacrifices to reduce government waste.
Key Takeaways
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has criticized House Republicans for neglecting to codify any of the budget cuts proposed by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, while cutting $1.5 trillion over a decade, ignored DOGE’s proposals despite claims of $175 billion in identified savings.
- Elon Musk has stepped back from his political involvement and DOGE role, citing disappointment and indicating he will reduce his political spending.
- Conservative Senators including Rand Paul and Ron Johnson have expressed concerns over the bill’s deficit spending, which could increase the federal budget deficit by $3.8 trillion.
- Some Republicans suggest using a “rescissions package” to implement DOGE cuts by bypassing the Senate filibuster.
DeSantis Defends Musk While Criticizing GOP’s Fiscal Approach
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has emerged as a vocal defender of Elon Musk while delivering a scathing critique of House Republicans for failing to incorporate any cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DeSantis expressed frustration that despite Musk’s significant personal and professional sacrifices to lead government efficiency efforts, House Republicans effectively abandoned these initiatives when crafting the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which recently passed the House but faces challenges in the Senate.
“@elonmusk took massive incoming — including attacks on his companies as well as personal smears — to lead the effort on @DOGE. He became public enemy #1 of legacy media around the world. To see Republicans in Congress cast aside any meaningful spending reductions (and, in fact, fully fund things like USAID) is demoralizing and represents a betrayal of the voters who elected them,” said Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida.
Budget Bill Faces Senate Opposition Despite House Passage
President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed the House, now faces significant opposition in the Senate from fiscal conservatives concerned about its impact on the national debt. The bill aims to reduce spending by approximately $1.5 trillion over the next decade through cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, and other social programs, while simultaneously extending the Trump tax cuts from 2017. This combination, according to critics, would ultimately increase the federal budget deficit by $3.8 trillion over a decade.
“It’s immoral. It’s wrong. It has to stop. This is our moment. We’ve witnessed an unprecedented level of increased spending,” said Senator Ron Johnson.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces the delicate task of navigating these concerns while maintaining enough support to pass the legislation. Senator Rand Paul has positioned himself as one of the most outspoken critics, arguing that conservatives must take a stand against increasing the national debt, which currently stands at $36 trillion. Several Republican senators from rural states have also expressed concerns about the bill’s Medicaid provisions, which could impact rural hospitals heavily dependent on such funding.
Musk Steps Back as DOGE Faces Congressional Roadblocks
After investing significant personal capital and facing considerable backlash, Elon Musk has begun distancing himself from DOGE and reducing his political involvement. As a major supporter of President Trump during the 2024 campaign, Musk spent approximately $250 million and endured protests at Tesla dealerships that contributed to a decline in the company’s stock price. DOGE claims to have identified over $175 billion in potential savings, though third-party monitors have disputed these figures.
“I think in terms of political spending, I’m going to do a lot less in the future,” said Elon Musk.
The public response to DOGE has been overwhelmingly positive, with polling showing approximately 73% of Americans support initiatives to cut government waste. This makes the House Republicans’ decision to bypass DOGE’s recommendations all the more perplexing to supporters like Governor DeSantis. Some congressional Republicans have suggested using a “rescissions package” to implement the DOGE cuts, which would allow them to reclaim unused appropriated funds through a process that can bypass the Senate filibuster.
Conservative Senate Opposition Grows
The intra-party conflict highlights the ongoing tension between different Republican factions regarding fiscal policy. While many House Freedom Caucus members ultimately voted for the bill despite initial reservations, Senate conservatives appear more willing to oppose the legislation on fiscal grounds. Senator Ron Johnson has suggested breaking up the bill to focus on areas of agreement rather than pushing through a comprehensive package that increases the deficit.
“Everybody is falling in lockstep on this. ‘Pass the big beautiful bill. Don’t question anything.’ Well, conservatives do need to stand up … if we don’t stand up on it, I really fear the direction the country is going,” said Senator Rand Paul.
The bill does include several Republican priorities, such as increased border security funding and boosted military spending. However, its fiscal impact has become a sticking point for senators committed to reducing government debt. The situation demonstrates the challenges President Trump faces in implementing his agenda even with Republican majorities, as internal divisions on spending priorities continue to complicate the legislative process.
