Sen. Cory Booker, a prominent Democratic senator from New Jersey, has made it clear that he will not accept financial contributions from Elon Musk for his re-election campaign. During an appearance on ‘Meet the Press,’ he addressed the potential implications of the Trump-backed legislation that has drawn criticism from various quarters. Booker argued that the proposed ‘big, beautiful bill’ would have catastrophic effects on average Americans, leading to increased costs and threatening the long-term health of the economy.
During the interview, host Kristen Welker pressed Booker on whether he would accept money from Musk, given the recent public exchanges between the billionaire and Trump. Booker emphasized that the issue at hand was not about political alignment but rather the necessity of taking a stand against what he described as a disastrous piece of legislation. He called on Musk to go beyond mere criticism and actively mobilize public opposition, likening the situation to a ‘Paul Revere moment’ to alert Americans about the potential consequences of the bill passing.
Musk has been vocal in his criticism of the Trump-backed bill, calling it a ‘disgusting abomination’ on his social media platform. He expressed disappointment in the legislators who voted for the bill, accusing them of wrongdoing. This criticism has led to some concerns among GOP senators, who have expressed skepticism about the legislation and its potential impact on the country’s fiscal health.
Booker’s comments come amid a broader discussion about the state of the Democratic Party. Welker raised the issue of former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s decision to register as an Independent, a move that has sparked conversations about the party’s brand and its relevance to voters. Booker responded by urging Democrats to focus on the needs of the American people rather than the party’s identity, acknowledging the trust issues that have developed between the public and both major political parties.
In addition to his stance on the legislation, Booker also announced that he would endorse the winner of the Democratic gubernatorial primary in New Jersey, signaling his continued political engagement and commitment to the state’s political landscape.