White House official: The White House will not consult every policy decision with Elon Musk

White House official: The White House will not consult every policy decision with Elon Musk

The relationship between the White House and Elon Musk has been a subject of interest, particularly following Musk's recent criticisms of the administration's fiscal policies. The White House, however, has maintained a stance that it will not consult Musk on every policy decision, as evident from recent developments.

Musk's Criticisms and the White House's Response

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been vocal about his concerns regarding the federal budget. He has criticized the bipartisan Congressional spending bill, describing it as a "disgusting abomination" due to its impact on the federal deficit [1]. Musk's public disagreements have sparked a response from the White House, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the administration's bill remains unchanged despite Musk's criticism [1].

White House's Budget Cuts and Musk's Role

The White House has requested Congress to rescind $9.4 billion in already approved spending, targeting programs that promote liberal ideologies and were previously managed by Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) [2]. This move comes amidst Musk's vocal opposition to the tax cut and spending plan, which he believes increases the federal deficit. The White House's request, if approved, would reduce funding for programs such as the State Department, NPR, PBS, and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) [2].

White House's Independence on Policy Decisions

Despite Musk's public statements, the White House has made it clear that it does not intend to consult him on every policy decision. This stance is reflected in the administration's continued pursuit of its fiscal agenda, including the rescission package and other spending cuts. The White House has emphasized its commitment to fiscal discipline and has indicated that more rescission packages and spending cuts could follow if the current effort succeeds [2].

Conclusion

The divergence in views between Elon Musk and the White House on fiscal policy is evident. While Musk has criticized the administration's spending bill, the White House has maintained its stance and has not indicated a willingness to consult Musk on policy decisions. The White House's request to rescind $9.4 billion in spending further underscores its independence in fiscal matters.

References
[1] https://www.thestreet.com/economy/white-house-responds-to-the-latest-elon-musk-jab
[2] https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2025/jun/04/white-house-requests-congress-rescind-94b/