Prominent Democrats lambasted Elon Musk’s influence on negotiations to avert this weekend’s potential government shutdown, questioning his behind-the-scenes role in shaping Republican strategy. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said Musk’s involvement suggested he was “calling the shots for Trump and Republicans,” asking pointedly, “Who is in charge?”
The criticism followed a turbulent week on Capitol Hill as Speaker Mike Johnson navigated intense GOP infighting and last-minute demands from President-elect Donald Trump. The Senate ultimately passed a bipartisan funding bill early Saturday, 85-11, avoiding a shutdown hours before the deadline. The package, which temporarily funds federal operations through March and provides $100 billion in disaster aid, excluded Trump’s call for a long-term debt ceiling increase.
