So far Republican lawmakers have stood by billionaire Elon Musk as he slashes federal spending, but that could change if Musk continues on his current path, according to a GOP strategist.
Brendan Buck, a former key adviser to ex-House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), appeared on MSNBC on Saturday to discuss Musk's relationship with GOP members of Congress. Buck noted that Musk "has funded an enormous" political operation.
That operation, Buck said, benefits Donald Trump and "hangs out there as a threat against any House member who dares to cross" the President.
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This is why GOP lawmakers have been "hesitant to go after Musk," according to Buck, but he noted that there was recently an exception when Republicans issued a "somewhat remarkable" letter blasting an idea related to the Department of Defense.
"When it comes to military matters, members of Congress are much more engaged at doing their job," Buck said, adding, "The more Elon Musk or anybody tries to mess with" those matters, the strategist said, "I do think you're going to see a lot more pushback."
"I don't think it will be the same" as cuts to the Education Department, Buck noted.
