(The Epoch Times)—House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on June 8 downplayed tech billionaire Elon Musk’s critical comments and said that House Republicans will pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act backed by President Donald Trump.
Last week, Musk and Trump got into a heated back and forth after the Tesla CEO repeatedly bashed the spending bill on social media. Trump suggested that it was because of its cuts to electric vehicle mandates, and at one point floated cutting federal money to Musk’s companies. Meanwhile, Musk took credit for Trump and the GOP winning the 2024 election and threatened to decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
“I didn’t go out to craft a piece of legislation to please the richest man in the world,” Johnson told ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. “What we’re trying to do is help hard-working Americans who are trying to provide for their families and make ends meet.”
During the interview, Johnson said he texted with Musk in recent days amid the escalating public feud with Trump.
Musk, he said, still believes that Republicans’ “policies are better for human flourishing. They’re better for the U.S. economy. They’re better for everything that he’s involved in with his innovation and job creation and entrepreneurship.”
However, he added, “Elon’s number one responsibility is to save his company. The president and I have the responsibility of saving the country.”
Earlier in the week, Musk called the bill a “disgusting abomination” that would add to the U.S. debt and threaten economic stability. The flurry of social media posts that followed included urging voters to flood Capitol Hill with calls to vote against the measure, which is pending in the Senate after clearing the House. It also included promoting controversial comments about impeaching and replacing the president with Vice President JD Vance.
After Musk appeared to show interest in making amends, Trump told reporters over the weekend that he has no desire to repair his relationship with Musk.
Johnson said that claims that people have called members of Congress to “kill the bill” are inaccurate. “It’s not happening, and we checked with colleagues,” the speaker said.
“We’ve got almost no calls to the offices, any Republican member of Congress,” the House speaker added. “And I think that indicates that people are taking a wait-and-see attitude. Some … may be convinced by some of his arguments, but the rest understand: This is a very exciting piece of legislation.”
Over the weekend, Trump warned Musk that he would face “very serious consequences” if the Tesla CEO backed Democratic politicians against Republicans in elections. Musk has not made any indications he would do so but has floated the creation of an alternative political party to Republicans and Democrats.
Trump told NBC News Saturday that Musk will “have to pay very serious consequences if he does that,” although he did not go into specifics.
He also said that he has no plans to speak with Musk and assumed that their relationship is over.
Meanwhile, Russell Vought, who heads the White House Office of Budget and Management, said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday that Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysts base their models on “artificial baselines.” Because the 2017 tax law set the lower rates to expire, CBO’s cost estimates presume a return to the higher rates that were in place before that law went into effect, he said.
Musk appeared to have used estimates from the CBO to make his “abomination” post criticizing the budget bill that it would increase the U.S. deficit by $2.5 trillion over the next decade.
Vought acknowledged CBO’s charge from Congress is to analyze legislation and current law as it is written. But he said the office could issue additional analyses, implying it could be friendlier to GOP goals.
When asked whether the White House would ask for alternative estimates, Vought again put the burden on the CBO, repeating that congressional rules allow the office to publish more analysis.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.