A Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Ro Khanna, is facing pushback after he said Elon Musk should be investigated over claims that proposed “DOGE” spending cuts could lead to deaths of millions of children. Khanna argued that a cited 2025 study projects more than 14 million people could die without USAID resources by 2030 and specifically characterized the potential impact as affecting about 4.5 million children. Multiple outlets report that Khanna called for Musk to “answer” and for a probe, linking his comments to the idea that DOGE-related budget reductions could reduce aid.
Elon Musk, through statements reported by outlets including The Independent and Mediaite, says he will sue Khanna, describing him as a “liar” and disputing the assertion. The reporting also notes that Khanna suggested political action by Democrats if they regain control of Congress, while Musk’s response centers on legal consequences for the claims. The dispute remains focused on whether the statements about potential child deaths are accurate and whether Khanna’s characterization warrants investigation.
