Musk and Schumer throwdown; Elon accuses senator of profiting from government fraud

by Van Halpert

Elon Musk accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of profiting from government fraud, igniting a heated debate about Musk’s access to the Treasury Department.

Schumer claimed Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is undermining Social Security and Medicare while Democratic lawmakers rallied against the Tesla CEO’s access to the Treasury Department, clutching their pearls over alleged security risks. Musk fired back, asserting that they are aimed at exposing waste and fraud in government spending.

The confrontation escalated as Musk suggested Schumer might be profiting from government fraud, and both sides accused the other of dishonesty and manipulation.

“Chuck, I’m starting to think you’re getting a piece of the action with the government fraud. But no, that couldn’t possibly be the reason, could it?” Musk wrote on X in response to Schumer’s accusations that DOGE is undermining vital social programs.

Chuck, I’m starting to think you’re getting a piece of the action with the government fraud. But no, that couldn’t possibly be the reason, could it? 🤔 … https://t.co/VWQeFqMnii

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 8, 2025

Schumer quickly fired back, labeling Musk’s claims as “another Elon lie” while accusing him of “taking” substantial financial gains from government contracts.

Another Elon lie. He wants you to think anyone who dares to stand up to him is committing fraud, meanwhile he’s taking tens of billions from the government. https://t.co/mx4XC06uol

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 8, 2025

Democratic lawmakers melted down over Musk’s recent access to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, a Treasury Department office responsible for disbursing trillions in payments annually. Democrats are raising the alarm over the access for fear it could lead to security risks and mismanagement of taxpayer funds.

During a rally, U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver declared, “Shut down the city! We are at war!” emphasizing the urgency of their concerns. Lawmakers are particularly worried about Musk’s influence over critical programs like Social Security and Medicare, with Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost stating, “There is absolutely no oversight as to what he is doing. What is to stop him from stealing taxpayer money? Nothing.”

While Musk’s involvement with DOGE aims to identify and eliminate waste and fraud within federal spending, many Democrats continue to view his access as a potential threat to their own status quo. Protests and rallies against Musk continue, and Democrats like Schumer have refused to call out attacks on Tesla dealerships and vehicle owners.