WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Elon Musk said Monday that he plans to sue Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., after the congressman accused him of causing severe harm through federal spending cuts carried out under the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE.
The dispute follows recent comments by Khanna, who called for investigations into Musk’s actions during his time leading DOGE under President Donald Trump. The exchange has sparked a broader debate about government spending, foreign aid programs, and accountability in Washington.
Musk announced his intention to pursue legal action after responding to a report about Khanna’s remarks. In a post on social media, Musk wrote, “Time to sue this liar.”
The disagreement comes as the U.S. Department of Justice continues to investigate corruption involving contracts linked to the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID. Federal prosecutors recently announced that a USAID official and several business executives pleaded guilty in a bribery scheme connected to more than $550 million in government contracts.
Supporters of DOGE argue that the agency focused on improving oversight of taxpayer-funded programs. According to Musk, the goal was straightforward. He said government agencies should be able to verify where aid money goes and confirm that intended recipients actually receive it.
As a result, Musk has argued that stronger oversight helps prevent fraud, waste, and misuse of public funds. He has repeatedly stated that taxpayers deserve transparency regarding federal spending.
Meanwhile, Khanna has taken a sharply different view. During an appearance on the “I’ve Had It” podcast, the California Democrat said Musk should face scrutiny once Democrats regain control of Congress.
“He needs to be subpoenaed, he needs to face investigation, he needs to answer for what he did with DOGE,” Khanna said during the interview.
Khanna also linked DOGE budget reductions to humanitarian concerns. He argued that cuts affecting USAID programs may have harmed vulnerable populations around the world.
“You know, they’re celebrating that he created 4,400 millionaires, but they don’t talk about the 4.5 million children around the world whom he possibly sentenced to death by dismantling USAID,” Khanna said.
Podcast co-host Jennifer Welch agreed with Khanna’s criticism. She questioned public praise for Musk’s business achievements while concerns remain about reductions in government aid spending.
The comments gained attention because Khanna represents a congressional district that includes Fremont, California, where Tesla operates a major manufacturing facility employing thousands of workers.
At the same time, Musk has remained a central figure in national political debates. His influence expanded significantly through DOGE and his leadership of major technology companies, including Tesla and SpaceX.
Recently, SpaceX completed a public offering that reportedly increased the wealth of many employees. The event also fueled renewed discussion about Musk’s growing fortune and influence.
Critics have questioned the concentration of wealth among technology leaders. Some commentators argue that the economic system allows a small number of individuals to accumulate extraordinary levels of wealth. Others point to Musk’s companies as examples of innovation, job creation, and economic growth.
In addition, political opponents have continued to criticize Musk over a range of issues, including his role in government policy decisions. Some media figures and activists have also accused him of promoting controversial views.
Musk has repeatedly rejected allegations that he is a white supremacist or antisemitic. In past interviews, he described those claims as false and said he does not support such beliefs.
