Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) has urged House Democrats to take bold action against Elon Musk’s increasing control over government operations.
His call comes after Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) forced U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID) employees to work from home, signaling a dramatic shift in power dynamics within federal agencies.
Kinzinger Challenges Democrats to Act
In a video posted on X, Kinzinger called on Democratic lawmakers to stop standing on the sidelines and directly confront Musk’s growing influence.
“All these agencies where employees are being locked out—send members of Congress with them. Walk them into work. Or better yet, go inside and investigate what these people are doing.
Dare them to stop you, because they can’t,” Kinzinger urged.
He expressed frustration over the Democrats’ passive response, warning that their message remains their most powerful weapon, even in the minority. “Quit staying at home,” he added, pressing them to take immediate action.
Musk’s Expanding Grip on Government Operations
The controversy deepened when USAID senior officials were placed on administrative leave for refusing to hand over classified documents to DOGE.
This incident is just one piece of a larger struggle, as Musk’s department faces accusations of seizing control over crucial government functions, including financial oversight at the U.S. Treasury Department.
David Lebryk, a high-ranking Treasury official, reportedly resigned after clashing with Musk’s operatives over their demand for access to a government payment system.
This system processes trillions of dollars in Social Security payments, Medicare disbursements, and tax credits—raising alarms about the potential consequences of Musk’s interference.
Fears of a Government Takeover Grow
Democratic lawmakers and watchdog organizations warn that Musk’s actions represent an unprecedented breach of government security.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) drew a stark comparison, saying, “If this happened in Venezuela or Malawi, and we saw a billionaire seize control of the government’s money supply, we would call it a coup.”
Reports suggest that young programmers from DOGE infiltrated the Treasury Department, pressuring civil servants to hand over full access to financial systems.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent eventually caved, allowing Musk’s team to take control of the payment network, a move critics say compromises national security.
Musk Defends His Power Grab
Musk has justified his actions by claiming that Treasury officials routinely authorize fraudulent payments.
“Career Treasury officials are breaking the law every hour of every day by approving payments that are fraudulent or do not match the funding laws passed by Congress,” Musk posted on X.
However, Senate Finance Committee staffers strongly refuted this assertion, emphasizing that the Treasury only processes payments explicitly authorized by Congress.
The clash underscores the escalating battle between Musk’s influence and government oversight.
Democrats Push Back with Legislative Action
Democratic leaders, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), have vowed to introduce legislation to limit Musk’s expanding control.
Warren and Wyden have also sent letters to Treasury Secretary Bessent, demanding transparency on how DOGE operatives gained access to the government’s financial systems.
The White House Remains Silent as Tensions Rise
Despite growing concerns, the White House has yet to release an official response.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has signaled his approval of Musk’s actions, stating that his administration supports efforts that bring efficiency to government operations.
With national security and financial stability at stake, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Congress can reclaim authority over government financial systems.
Kinzinger’s message remains urgent: House Democrats must act before it’s too late.
Clark is a 26-year-old expert working for consumer protection, Clark has dedicated years to identifying and exposing fraudulent schemes. He is working with NGOs to help people who are victims of scams. In his free time, Todd plays football or goes to a bar.
