President Donald Trump said Monday he would move to protect Elon Musk if Democrats pursue investigations or target the billionaire’s assets after the midterm elections. He also said he would consider preemptive pardons for staff members and other allies facing investigations.
In an interview on the “Pod Force One” podcast published early Monday, host Miranda Devine asked about speculation that Democrats could investigate the Tesla and SpaceX CEO or seek to seize his assets. “It’s talk. But if it is talk, we’ll have to protect them,” Trump said, according to Axios.
Democrats have already identified Musk as a potential focus of investigations if they regain congressional control. Possible inquiries would examine his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency, his companies’ federal contracts and allegations of conflicts between his government responsibilities and business interests, The New York Post reported.
Some inquiries are already underway. House Oversight Democrats sought records in 2025 concerning Musk’s foreign ties, background investigation and companies’ government contracts. A Democratic majority would give lawmakers greater authority to compel testimony and obtain documents as they pursue those questions.
Musk has warned that he would fight back against renewed investigations. Responding to a report about Democrats’ plans, he wrote on Twitter, “Live by the sword, die by the sword,” and added, “Those who pick fights with me should understand that I will find out who is really pulling the strings and come for them, not just their puppets.”
The trillionaire has directed nearly half a billion dollars toward efforts opposing Democrats during the current election cycle and recently warned that Democratic control of the White House and Congress after the 2028 elections would threaten democracy. Trump’s comments came as polls suggested Democrats could make significant gains in the midterms, potentially setting up a contentious final two years of his presidency.
Asked whether he would consider pardons for his staff or other allies facing investigations, Trump said, “I would if I needed to. Sure,” adding, “I would not even think about it. I’d do it,” without identifying specific recipients or cases.
