Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) is intensifying his criticism of Elon Musk, promising that the billionaire entrepreneur will face congressional scrutiny if Democrats regain control of Congress. The comments come just days after Khanna argued that cuts associated with Musk’s work through DOGE may have contributed to severe humanitarian consequences around the world.
During an appearance Wednesday on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Khanna reaffirmed his commitment to investigating Musk and his role in implementing what the congressman described as “unconstitutional DOGE cuts.”
The discussion followed a recent public dispute between the two men. Musk had sharply criticized Khanna after the California lawmaker suggested that reductions tied to DOGE could have devastating global effects. In response, Musk vowed to sue Khanna, calling him a “liar,” and accused politicians like him of corruption.
Morning Joe co-host Joe Scarborough referenced the controversy and defended Khanna’s broader concerns, arguing that studies have suggested sweeping cuts may have contributed to significant loss of life. Scarborough noted that projections over the coming years paint an increasingly grim picture.
Khanna, however, said he was not focused on Musk’s threats.
“I’m less concerned about Musk threatening to put me in jail — which he doesn’t have the power to do — or sue me,” Khanna said. “I’m more concerned that the world’s richest person presided over cuts that hurt the world’s poorest.”
Khanna pointed to two studies that he said examined the impact of the cuts. He referenced a Lancet study that he said found the reductions could potentially lead to the deaths of 4.5 million children. He also cited what he described as a Boston study discussing deaths that had already occurred following the cuts.
The congressman emphasized that his criticism comes despite a long history with Musk.
According to Khanna, he has known the SpaceX founder for more than a decade. He said Musk had even endorsed one of his books, and that he initially tried to give Musk the benefit of the doubt regarding DOGE. But Khanna argued that Musk has become overly focused on wealth and influence and now believes he can intimidate critics.
“I’m not going to be intimidated,” Khanna said.
The California Democrat also suggested that Musk’s aggressive response reflects concern about future political developments. Khanna argued that if Democrats regain power in Congress, Musk could be compelled to testify before lawmakers regarding the DOGE cuts.
“He sees that the Democrats are going to be in charge,” Khanna said. “And now he’s finally going to have to answer, because when we subpoena him, he’s going to have to come before the committee and explain why he had those unconstitutional DOGE cuts.”
Khanna framed the issue as one of accountability and argued that future House elections will determine whether such investigations move forward.
The Morning Joe interview came shortly after Khanna made similar remarks on the I’ve Had It podcast. During that appearance, he argued that public praise surrounding Musk’s business success should not overshadow concerns about the broader impact of the DOGE reductions.
Khanna noted that many observers were celebrating the creation of thousands of newly minted millionaires following SpaceX’s public offering. But he argued that those accomplishments should be weighed against what he views as the consequences of the cuts.
“Once we take power, there needs to be accountability,” Khanna said. “There needs to be accountability for Elon Musk.”
He again cited the figure of 4.5 million children whom he said were “possibly sentenced to death” through the dismantling of USAID.
Musk responded the following day by threatening legal action. Khanna later said that rather than fighting in court, he would prefer to debate Musk directly over the issue.
The clash highlights a growing political battle over government spending priorities, foreign aid, and the consequences of major policy decisions. As lawmakers continue debating those questions, the dispute also underscores how quickly disagreements over government programs can evolve into larger fights over power, responsibility, and accountability—particularly when the stakes involve both taxpayer resources and claims about the human cost of policy choices.
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