Senator Jim Justice described his approach to state economic recovery and applied it to federal budget debates, saying in an interview that West Virginia reduced waste and cut taxes repeatedly and that national growth should focus on energy production.

Asked about negotiations to pair spending cuts with tax reductions, the senator said West Virginia was "so bankrupt" when he took office that the state had to cut waste, maintain a flat budget and reduce taxes "26 different times." He credited those steps with economic growth in the state and said similar priorities at the federal level should include energy development.

"Energy, energy, energy. It is the do all to every 1 of our problems," Justice said. "Whether it be inflation or or it be just any product on on the shelf... Energy is the answer, the do all, and everything." He added that, as a businessman, he had "never seen a situation where you could purely cut your way out of a mess" and that growth, not only cuts, would be necessary.

Justice also praised Elon Musk for his work: "I salute Elon Musk and what he's doing. Absolutely through and through." He framed the fiscal approach as a combination of reducing waste and fostering growth rather than pure austerity.

The interview did not include proposed federal legislation, specific budget line items, or a timeline for any federal tax cuts. The senator discussed his state record and offered it as a model for national policy.