NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Washington, D.C., June 22, 2026 — Congressman Ro Khanna pushed back Monday after billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk spent much of the day attacking him on social media, threatening legal action, and suggesting he should face criminal consequences for comments linking Musk’s government spending cuts to humanitarian deaths overseas.
In a video posted on X, Khanna accused Musk of trying to silence criticism rather than engaging in a public debate over the impact of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk helped lead during the Trump administration.
“Threatened to sue me, and he called on the Justice Department to put me in prison. That’s right. The world’s richest person has spent all day tweeting, going after me,” Khanna said in the video.
The feud began after Khanna appeared on the podcast I’ve Had It, where he sharply criticized Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Citing an academic study on the potential impact of foreign aid reductions, Khanna said Musk should be held accountable for cuts that he argued could have devastating humanitarian consequences. “He needs to answer for that. He needs to be subpoenaed. He needs to face investigation. He needs to answer for what he did with DOGE,” Khanna said. He also argued that if Democrats regain power, there should be a formal examination of DOGE’s actions and their global impact.
Addressing Musk directly, Khanna challenged the billionaire to debate the issue publicly.
“You know, Elon, I thought you were a free speech guy,” Khanna said. “Why not debate me on these issues instead of threatening lawfare?”
Musk had earlier denounced Khanna’s claims on X, calling the California Democrat a liar and threatening to sue him. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO argued that DOGE’s efforts were aimed at reducing waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending.
In his response, Khanna portrayed the confrontation as part of a broader fight against powerful interests. He said he would not be intimidated by legal threats or online attacks.
“You’re not going to be able to intimidate me,” Khanna said. “I’m not going to be intimidated or silent.”
The congressman cited several issues on which he says he has challenged powerful figures and institutions, including his support for the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, his criticism of AIPAC, and his advocacy for a wealth tax despite opposition from wealthy interests in Silicon Valley.
Khanna also used the video to rally supporters, asking viewers to sign a petition and help him continue what he described as a fight for “truth and justice.”
The clash marks the latest escalation in an increasingly public feud between Musk and Khanna, two prominent figures who once shared common ground on technology and innovation issues. As Musk has become more politically active and Khanna has emerged as one of his most vocal congressional critics, their disagreements have expanded to include government spending, foreign aid, free speech, and the influence of billionaires in American politics.
Cover photo of Elon Musk courtesy: By Gage Skidmore – Wikimedia
.@elonmusk let's debate. You game?
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) June 22, 2026
I am for free speech, not lawfare. pic.twitter.com/gThLggxiOW
