Billionaire ally Elon Musk, known for his ties with President-elect Donald Trump, played a significant role this week in opposing a bipartisan funding proposal aimed at averting a government shutdown. Musk expressed his disapproval of the plan through a series of over 100 social media posts, which contained numerous false statements. Despite holding no elected position, Musk exerted his considerable influence on the platform to sway Congress, showing a glimpse of the potential role he might play in the upcoming four years of government.
John Mark Hansen, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, highlighted the impact Musk could have on Trump’s decisions, noting that Musk’s actions may have influenced Trump’s decision to derail the bill to prevent being overshadowed. Hansen remarked on Musk’s social media presence, describing him as a new force challenging the established social media dynamics.
Musk’s objections to the omnibus bill, spanning 1,547 pages, included misinformation on various topics such as congressional salaries, federal funding, and public health readiness. For instance, Musk wrongly claimed that the bill proposed a 40% salary increase for lawmakers, while the actual maximum raise would have been 3.8%. Congress members, except for leadership positions, earn $174,000 annually, with the rejected bill aiming to prevent an automatic pay raise that would have increased their salary by about $6,600.
Additionally, Musk shared a misleading post alleging that the bill allocated $3 billion for a new stadium for the NFL’s Washington Commanders. However, the bill only facilitated the transfer of land from the federal government to the District of Columbia, with no funding specified for the stadium construction. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser clarified the misinformation surrounding the stadium funding, emphasizing that federal dollars were not allocated for the project.
Musk further incorrectly asserted that the bill funded bioweapon labs, a claim that was unfounded. The bill instead allocated funds for regional biocontainment research facilities, aiming to enhance public health preparedness.
Research laboratories, not bioweapon facilities, are specified to conduct biomedical research to prepare for biological threats such as emerging infectious diseases. A spokesperson for Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Associated Press. Some members of Congress expressed disappointment over Musk spreading misinformation about the bill. “I love you Elon but you need to take 5 seconds to verify your sources before promoting unreliable sources seeking attention,” stated Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a Texas Republican, on X.
In a hastily arranged Thursday evening vote, the House rejected a revised Trump-supported bill reduced to 116 pages, with the bill failing by a vote of 174-235. Numerous Republicans joined Democrats in opposing the bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Friday afternoon that Republicans had come to an agreement on a third spending deal, but did not elaborate on the specifics.
Trump led Republicans through the longest government shutdown in history during his first term over the 2018 Christmas season. He also disrupted the 2020 holiday season by rejecting a bipartisan COVID-relief bill, resulting in a need for a reevaluation.
