Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) has publicly challenged Elon Musk to a debate after the world's richest man called for the congressman's imprisonment. The escalating feud, playing out across social media and podcast airwaves, centers on Musk's role in dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Khanna's challenge came during a Saturday episode of the "IHIP News" podcast, where host Jennifer Welch pressed him on how Democrats would govern if they retake the House in the next midterms. Khanna did not mince words, arguing that accountability must be a top priority. "I do believe that once we take power, there has to be accountability. There needs to be accountability for Elon Musk," Khanna told Welch.
The California Democrat specifically pointed to Musk's decision to dismantle USAID, alleging it could have deadly consequences. "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 who he possibly sentenced to death by dismantling USAID," Khanna said. He added that Musk should be subpoenaed and investigated for his actions at DOGE.
Musk fired back on his social platform X Monday, posting multiple defenses of his cost-cutting efforts. "The standard applied by DOGE was very simple and easy: Provide contact information for the recipients of aid, so that we can confirm it is not fraudulent," Musk wrote. He claimed that "money was being sent to corrupt politicians under the guise of aid" and labeled Khanna a liar and stock insider trader, saying, "Liars and stock insider traders like Ro the Robber should be in prison!!"
In another post, Musk threatened legal action: "Time to sue this liar."
Khanna responded hours later with a video on X, rejecting Musk's intimidation tactics. "The world's richest person has spent all day tweeting, going after me," Khanna said. "Why? Because I cited an academic study that his DOGE cuts may lead to the deaths of millions of children overseas."
Khanna then turned the tables, invoking Musk's self-styled free-speech advocacy. "You know, Elon, I thought you were a free speech guy. Why not debate me on these issues instead of threatening lawfare? You're not going to be able to intimidate me."
The clash underscores a broader progressive push for oversight of Musk's influence over federal agencies. Khanna has been a leading voice in the progressive movement, recently declaring the movement on the rise after left-wing primary wins. Meanwhile, Musk's trillionaire status remains a subject of debate, with analysts questioning whether his wealth reflects market hype or economic reality.
As the war of words intensifies, it remains unclear whether Musk will accept the debate challenge. But Khanna's message is clear: he sees this as a fight over accountability, not just a personal feud.
