Republican Sen. Rand Paul has raised eyebrows by suggesting that Elon Musk could replace Mike Johnson as speaker of the House in 2025, as tensions rise within the GOP over a recent failed government funding bill.

On Thursday, Paul (KY) proposed that Musk could replace Johnson amid growing Republican dissatisfaction over a failed funding bill, and this suggestion comes after Musk, along with Trump, helped to block the measure, leaving Johnson’s future in doubt, as Fox News reports.

Paul made the suggestion via social media, stating, “Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk.” He went on to say, “Nothing’s impossible,” adding that such a move would “make the collective establishment, aka ‘uni party,’ lose their ever-lovin’ minds.” Paul’s remarks highlight the frustration felt by some Republicans toward the current leadership in the House.

Frustration with Johnson Mounts

Johnson, who became Speaker of the House in October 2023, has faced growing criticism within his party following the collapse of a key funding bill. The measure, which would have kept the government open beyond a critical deadline, included provisions for disaster relief and pay raises for members of Congress. However, it was blocked by conservatives including Musk and Trump, who objected to its high spending levels.

Johnson’s leadership has been called into question after the failed vote, with many Republicans now wondering whether he can retain their support heading into the next congressional session in 2025. The frustration over the funding bill has amplified concerns about Johnson’s ability to unify the party.

Musk, who has become an influential figure in conservative circles of late, was particularly vocal about the bill. On his social media platform, X, Musk described the bill as “one of the worst bills ever written” and celebrated its failure, saying, “The voice of the people was heard” and that “This was a good day for America.” His involvement in blocking the legislation further solidified his position as a key player in GOP politics.

Musk's Role in the Funding Bill’s Collapse

Musk’s objections to the funding bill were a significant factor in its failure. In the lead-up to the vote, Musk called for the bill to be “killed,” aligning himself with Trump’s stance on reducing government spending. Trump, in turn, posted on Truth Social, demanding that any funding bill should include an increase in the debt ceiling, which was not part of the proposed measure.

Trump’s demands for the debt ceiling hike, combined with his opposition to what he called “Democrat giveaways,” further complicated negotiations. He argued that Republicans could only support disaster relief and other critical provisions if the bill also included the debt ceiling increase. Trump stated, “Anything else is a betrayal of our country,” signaling his dissatisfaction with Johnson’s approach.

Possibility of a Non-Member Speaker

One of the most controversial aspects of Paul’s suggestion is the idea of electing a non-member of the House as speaker. While all 56 previous speakers over the past 235 years have been elected from within the House, the Constitution does not require the speaker to be a member of Congress. This opens up the possibility, however unlikely, that someone like Musk could be chosen to lead the chamber.

While unprecedented, Paul’s comments have sparked interest among conservatives who are disillusioned with the current leadership. The suggestion has added fuel to the ongoing debate within the GOP over the direction of the party and its leadership heading into 2025.

Will Mike Johnson Remain the Speaker?

Johnson’s future as speaker now seems uncertain, given the discontent in his party. The failed funding bill exposed deep divisions within the GOP, and Johnson’s inability to unite his party has led some to question whether he will retain enough support to continue as Speaker in the upcoming session.

Many conservative lawmakers are now calling for a shift in leadership, with some even speculating that Musk could provide the kind of disruption they feel is needed to move the party forward. Johnson’s situation is complicated by the fact that his leadership was only solidified after the ousting of Kevin McCarthy in 2023, making his tenure particularly vulnerable to internal party dynamics.

Elon Musk's Growing Influence in GOP Politics

Over the past few years, Elon Musk’s influence on conservative politics has only grown. His strong stance against excessive government spending and his vocal opposition to legislation he views as wasteful have made him a prominent figure in the GOP. This influence was on full display during the recent funding bill showdown, where Musk’s support for blocking the bill was crucial to its defeat.

While Musk has not formally entered politics, his actions have made him a key voice among Republicans who share his views. His support among conservative voters and lawmakers continues to rise, positioning him as a potential alternative to the traditional GOP leadership.

The Future of the House GOP

As Congress prepares for the next session, Republicans are at a crossroads. The growing rift within the party over leadership and policy priorities will likely shape the future of the GOP. While Johnson remains speaker for now, his position may be increasingly tenuous as more GOP members call for change.

The question of whether Musk could step into the leadership vacuum is still speculative, but it has certainly stirred debate. As the new session approaches, the GOP will have to decide whether they will continue with their current leadership or seek a new direction.

What’s Next for Johnson and the GOP?

The days ahead will likely be filled with discussions and negotiations about the future of the Republican Party’s leadership. Whether Mike Johnson can maintain his position as Speaker or whether the GOP will turn to someone like Musk to lead them into the next congressional session remains to be seen.

The growing influence of figures like Musk and Trump within the GOP suggests that the party may be at a turning point. As tensions rise, Republicans will have to find a way to balance the demands of their base with the realities of governing.

Conclusion: A Changing Landscape for House Leadership

The idea of Elon Musk replacing Mike Johnson as speaker of the House underscores the growing dissatisfaction with traditional Republican leadership. As the GOP grapples with internal divisions, the possibility of a new, unconventional leader looms large.

Whether Johnson can weather this storm or whether Musk will play a role in reshaping the future of House leadership is still unclear, but one thing is certain: the coming months will be crucial for the Republican Party.