Elon Musk recruits Rep. Victoria Spartz in political shakeup

Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) announced she will not accept committee assignments or caucus with Republicans in the upcoming congressional term. According to MSNBC, she plans to work with a new quasi-governmental group called the Department of Government Efficiency, reportedly to be led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

MSNBC further reported that Spartz posted on X she would remain a registered Republican but would abstain from committees and caucus activities until she sees evidence of proper governance from Republican leadership. This came after Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) expressed support for Ramaswamy's initiative. Spartz stated she would rather spend time working with DOGE and Rep. Massie to "save our Republic," which she claimed was mandated by voters.

MSNBC reports that Rep. Spartz posted on X supporting $2 trillion in spending cuts proposed by Elon Musk, despite his acknowledgment that these cuts would cause "hardship" for Americans. According to spartz.house.gov, she released a separate statement expressing commitment to "helping President Trump, his appointees and DOGE to deliver on their promises through reconciliation."

Spartz's decision raises questions about its impact on the GOP's narrow House majority and potential challenges for House Speaker Mike Johnson. Politico, citing two anonymous sources "with direct knowledge of the matter," suggests Spartz's move may be motivated by her failure to secure a desired committee position. The report analyzes that while this development boosts the perceived legitimacy of Musk and Ramaswamy's Department of Government Efficiency, that group may prove no less "circuslike" than Congress. It notes that Spartz was elected to serve in Congress, regardless of its state. The article concludes by theorizing that Trump and his allies are working to reduce congressional authority and damage its reputation, aiming to concentrate decision-making power with Trump-appointed executives.

Yahoo Finance reports that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy support using impoundment to let Donald Trump withhold Congress-approved funds. Conservatives also want Trump to bypass the Senate’s role in confirming Cabinet members by using recess appointments. Additionally, Rep. Victoria Spartz’s announcement reflects efforts by MAGA allies to transfer power from Congress to Trump and his close advisors in the executive branch.