Rep. Tony Gonzales: Elon Musk akin to Prime Minister amid Capitol funding turmoil

Authored by CBS News Staff

Texas Republican Representative Tony Gonzales likened Elon Musk to an unofficial prime minister following his involvement in the recent chaotic budgetary debate at Capitol Hill, a scenario that led to fears of a looming government shutdown and illustrated the potential dynamics under a Republican-led Washington.

In a conversation on CBS's 'Face the Nation' with Margaret Brennan, Gonzales remarked, "We've got a President, a Vice President, and a Speaker, yet it feels as if Elon Musk is serving as our prime minister."

Amidst a backdrop of uncertainty, Congress managed to pass a resolution extending government funding into mid-March, thereby averting an immediate shutdown. This decision came after several failed attempts, including a bipartisan agreement that collapsed in the wake of intense opposition from Musk. The entrepreneur, chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to head a new entity, the Department of Government Efficiency, had criticized the deal. Following his criticism, Trump put the final nail in its coffin.

Musk, who invested $277 million to assist Trump's electoral success and has become an integral part of Trump's advisory circle, frequently posted his disagreement with the deal on his social media platform, X. Subsequently, Trump intervened to nullify the agreement.

Opposing the final measure to maintain government funding, Gonzales joined 33 other Republicans in resistance, citing the disapproval of both himself and his constituents towards the continuing resolution, or CR. He described his vote as a call for accountability and transparency, criticizing the tendency in Washington for extensive bills filled with unnecessary provisions.

Gonzales mentioned that he interacted with Musk several times during the week. According to him, Musk, though not elected, amplifies what many consider the voice of the public. Additionally, Gonzales acknowledged Trump's efforts to trim the bill's content as a commendable achievement.

Meanwhile, the spending bill and the subsequent disarray in the House sparked significant disapproval of House Speaker Mike Johnson's management of the crisis. At least one Republican, Kentucky's Rep. Thomas Massie, expressed he wouldn't back Johnson for Speaker in the upcoming Congress, fueling speculation about his capacity to maintain enough support to keep his position.

Despite opposing the legislation, Gonzales stood by Johnson, arguing that he's adept at holding the party together and likening the situation to managing 'feral cats in the House.' He praised Johnson's challenging role and his ability to collaborate with the president-elect and Musk to navigate a resolution, highlighting his knack for finding practical solutions.

Kaia Hubbard serves as a political reporter for CBS News Digital stationed in Washington, D.C.