Johnson defends spending bill in the face of opposition from Musk and GOP: 'Untenable position'

On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., defended his stance on supporting a government spending bill, even though it faced opposition from fellow Republicans, including key allies of President-elect Trump.

To prevent a partial government shutdown before the holidays, a bill must pass the House and Senate by the end of Friday, Dec. 20, for a short-term extension of current government funding levels known as a continuing resolution (CR).

Johnson stated on "Fox & Friends" that although government debt and deficits are a worry, Republicans need to approve "short-term stopgap funding measures" until Democrats relinquish control of the White House and Senate.

When the new Congress begins in January, with Republicans in control and DOGE fully operational, we will be able to reduce the size and scope of government.

Johnson stated that the move would guarantee Republican control over spending until 2025, characterizing it as an "unattainable stance."

"This is the sausage-making process," he added.

Johnson claims that the government is compelled to pass the bill in order to secure funding for emergencies (FEMA) and support for farmers and ranchers.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead DOGE, as the House Speaker has disclosed that he has been in communication with them through a text chain.

Johnson stated that the Republicans have a razor-thin margin, meaning any bill needs Democrat votes. He acknowledged this understanding through a text exchange.

"The spending is not aimed at you, Mr. Speaker, but we don't like it. I said, guess what? I don't either. We need to get this done because it's crucial. By doing this, we'll clear the way for Trump to return with his America First agenda," he stated.

Earlier this year, Johnson received unanimous support to become speaker again in House Republicans' closed-door elections, just hours after Trump endorsed him.

In early January, when the House votes to elect a new speaker, Johnson will need almost the same level of support as he currently has, with only a slim majority to spare.

Planet Chronicle' Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.