Summary

GOP senators informed Elon Musk that his initiatives to cut federal spending require congressional approval via a rescission package.

Senator Rand Paul argued at a Senate luncheon that DOGE’s cuts must be formalized through a 51-vote rescission package, citing the recent 5-4 Supreme Court ruling against freezing foreign aid.

Senators expressed frustration about being blindsided by DOGE’s funding freezes and workforce reductions. Musk agreed to establish a process for responding to senators’ concerns.

Republicans remain cautious about directly confronting Musk, who spent $288 million supporting GOP candidates in 2024 and threatened to fund primary challengers against opponents.