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Speaker Elon Musk? Kentucky GOP lawmakers jump on the cyber-bandwagon

FILE - Elon Musk speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
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FILE - Elon Musk speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Kentucky lawmakers are reacting to multi-billionaire Elon Musk's outsized influence on this week's roller-coaster spending votes.

With Musk helping derail a compromise that Republican speaker of the House Mike Johnson had struck with Democrats to temporarily fund U.S. government operations, it wasn't long until the phrase "President Elon" began trending on X — a platform owned by the Trump ally.

But lawmakers are offering divergent takes on the tech-mogul-turned-powerbroker, from near-fanboyish enthusiasm to knocks on "Trump's billionaire buddy."

On CBS, Lexington Republican Congressman Andy Barr sounded optimistic about Musk's role in potentially reining in spending.

"Having an innovative, smart, brilliant genius offer ideas and work with the Congress, I think, is good and I think it's already having a positive impact on the fiscal health of our nation," Barr said.

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie reposted praise of Musk via Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who ran a poll asking whether Musk should be voted in as Speaker. It's an idea floated by Sen. Rand Paul. Note: The speakership isn't limited to elected representatives.

Meanwhile, Louisville Congressman Morgan McGarvey posted sharp criticism, writing: "Trump's Co-President Elon Musk took billions in government subsidies to help him become the richest man alive, but is demanding the GOP force a shutdown that will hurt people who actually work for a living." Kentucky's lone Democratic lawmaker on Capitol Hill charged that a shutdown would cost Kentucky $758 million.

Sen. Mitch McConnell declined to comment on Musk after the election and has generally stayed out of the fray regarding the tech magnate. Musk, however, has criticized the long-serving Kentucky GOP leader, describing incidents when McConnell froze on camera in press conferences as "insane" and calling for a constitutional amendment. Musk did not elaborate on what such an amendment would do.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.