Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has hinted at the possibility of supporting Elon Musk for Speaker of the House, a move that could potentially shake up the leadership dynamics in the GOP. This development comes as House Speaker Mike Johnson's position hangs in the balance, with Greene's wavering allegiance casting a shadow over his upcoming bid to retain the gavel.
Greene's statement was made in response to a tweet by Republican Sen. Rand Paul, who suggested that electing Musk as Speaker would be a disruptive force against the political establishment. While Greene did not explicitly mention Johnson, her openness to backing Musk raises concerns for the current Speaker's prospects.
Just two days prior, Greene had affirmed her support for Johnson in an interview with CNN, dismissing questions about her loyalty as 'ridiculous.' However, her recent endorsement of Musk signals a potential shift in her allegiance, adding uncertainty to Johnson's re-election bid.
Elon Musk, known as the world's wealthiest individual and a prominent figure in the tech industry, has been closely associated with President-elect Donald Trump. Musk's influence was evident in the recent efforts to derail a bipartisan government spending deal, underscoring his growing impact on political matters.
The upcoming floor vote on January 3 to determine the House Speaker for the new term now carries added intrigue, as Greene's alignment with Musk introduces a new dynamic into the leadership race. With Johnson's grip on the gavel in question and Musk emerging as a potential contender, the GOP faces a pivotal moment in its leadership landscape.