Hillary Clinton Criticizes Elon Musk’s Influence Amid U.S. Government Shutdown Threat
Former U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has raised concerns over billionaire Elon Musk’s influence in the ongoing budget standoff on Capitol Hill, accusing Republicans of bowing to his pressure as the country faces a looming government shutdown.
Clinton’s remarks follow claims by House Democrats that ‘Extreme MAGA’ Republicans are pushing the nation toward a shutdown, risking serious consequences for millions of Americans.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Clinton warned:
“If you’re just catching up: the Republican Party, taking orders from the world’s richest man, is on course to shut down the government over the holidays—stopping paychecks for our troops and nutrition benefits for low-income families just in time for Christmas.”
Countdown to Shutdown
According to Fox News, the U.S. government will partially shut down at midnight on Saturday unless lawmakers approve a deal to extend funding into March 2024 while maintaining current spending levels.
The report highlighted that Musk, the world’s richest man, has strongly opposed the original spending deal negotiated by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democrats. Musk reportedly threatened to support primary challenges against any Republican who voted in favor of the compromise.
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Republican Divisions Deepen
In response to mounting pressure, House Republicans on Thursday introduced a revised proposal featuring provisions for disaster aid and a two-year suspension of the debt ceiling—aligning with demands made by former President Donald Trump.
However, the measure failed to pass in the House after several Republicans rejected it and Democrats united against it—some reportedly dissatisfied with Musk’s growing influence over GOP decision-making.
Uncertain Path Forward
With the shutdown deadline fast approaching, the political gridlock underscores the fractures within the Republican Party and the challenges of reaching bipartisan agreements.
As lawmakers scramble to find common ground, Clinton’s sharp criticism and Musk’s interventions have added another layer of drama to an already tense standoff—leaving millions of Americans bracing for potential disruptions during the holiday season.
