Ro Khanna challenged Elon Musk to a public debate after the billionaire threatened legal action over the California congressman’s criticism of DOGE spending cuts and their possible humanitarian consequences.

The dispute intensified in Washington, D.C., on Monday, June 22, 2026, after Musk criticized Khanna on X, called him a liar and suggested that his comments could warrant legal or criminal consequences.

Ro Khanna challenges Elon Musk over DOGE cuts

In a video posted on X, Khanna accused Musk of trying to silence criticism rather than defend the work of the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE. Musk helped lead the cost-cutting initiative during the Trump administration.

Khanna said Musk had threatened to sue him and had called for Justice Department action. He rejected what he described as “lawfare” and invited Musk to debate the impact of DOGE publicly.

Dispute centers on foreign aid and accountability

The confrontation followed Khanna’s criticism of Musk during a podcast appearance. Khanna cited an academic study on the possible effects of reduced foreign aid and argued that Musk should answer questions about cuts that he said could contribute to humanitarian deaths overseas.

Khanna also called for subpoenas, an investigation and a review of DOGE’s actions if Democrats regain power.

Musk rejected the allegations on X and said DOGE was created to reduce waste, fraud and abuse in federal spending. Khanna responded that he would not be intimidated or silenced.

The congressman placed the clash within his broader criticism of powerful political and financial interests, citing his positions on the Jeffrey Epstein files, AIPAC and a wealth tax.

The exchange matters because it moves the debate over DOGE beyond federal spending and into questions about foreign aid, free speech, congressional oversight and the political influence of billionaires.