WASHINGTON, DC, USA — Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has suggested Elon Musk as a potential Speaker of the House, citing the tech billionaire’s reputation for disruption and efficiency.
The proposal follows intense debates over a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government and growing criticism of establishment politics in Congress.
“The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress . . . Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk,” Paul posted on X, the platform owned by Musk, on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
“Think about it . . . nothing’s impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka ‘uniparty,’ lose their ever-lovin’ minds).”
The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress . . .
Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk . . . think about it . . . nothing’s impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka ‘uniparty,’ lose their ever-lovin’…
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 19, 2024
Musk and DOGE
Musk, co-leader of the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), an advisory panel created by President-elect Donald Trump, has played a key role in shaping Republican opposition to the bipartisan spending deal.
DOGE’s focus is on reducing federal spending and streamlining government operations.
In collaboration with DOGE co-leader Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk rallied Republicans to oppose the CR on Wednesday.
Their efforts culminated in President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance publicly urging members of their party to reject the measure, which had garnered bipartisan support.
The backlash from some quarters was swift.
Democratic Representative Dan Goldman (N.Y.) criticised Musk’s involvement, calling it an overreach.
“It’s one thing when you have Donald Trump governing by tweet, as he did in his first term,” Goldman said on CNN’s AC360.
“But now you have Elon Musk, an unelected oligarch, governing by tweet. This is absurd.”
Greene Signals Support
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) joined Paul in endorsing the idea of Musk as Speaker, citing his potential to bring “real government efficiency” to Congress.
“I’d be open to supporting @elonmusk for Speaker of the House,” Greene posted on X, amplifying Paul’s suggestion.
“DOGE can only truly be accomplished by reigning in Congress to enact real government efficiency. The establishment needs to be shattered just like it was yesterday. This could be the way.”
Speaker Role and Outsider Proposals
The Speaker of the House, a role traditionally held by an elected member of Congress, is not constitutionally required to be a legislator.
The position has occasionally seen unconventional nominations in the past.
In 2015, former Representative Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) cast a symbolic vote for former Secretary of State Colin Powell as Speaker.
More recently, proposals to bring in outsiders have gained traction during periods of political upheaval.
The current Speaker, Mike Johnson (R-La.), has faced increasing pressure from factions within the Republican Party over government spending and other priorities.
A Divided Congress
Paul’s and Greene’s support for Musk underscores growing divisions within Congress as lawmakers grapple with budget negotiations and heightened political polarisation.
Musk, known for his unorthodox approach and outspoken views, has become a polarising figure in Washington.
As discussions over the Speaker’s position and government funding continue, Musk’s potential candidacy raises questions about the role of outsiders in Congressional leadership and the future of Republican priorities under Trump’s administration.
The House has yet to formally address the idea of Musk’s nomination, but the suggestion has already sparked widespread debate, both on Capitol Hill and online.
