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Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) criticized tech billionaire Elon Musk, calling him a “coward” if he refuses to testify before Congress regarding the actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The remark comes as concerns grow over Musk’s influence and DOGE’s sweeping changes to the federal government.
Speaking to Fox News outside the Treasury Department, Magaziner addressed Musk’s involvement in government restructuring, particularly DOGE’s recent efforts that have impacted various executive agencies.
The lawmaker insisted that Congress deserves answers regarding these actions. “I think if he won’t come before Congress to testify, then he’s a coward,” Magaziner stated.
The debate over Musk’s role in government reforms intensified earlier Wednesday when House Republicans blocked a Democratic effort to subpoena the billionaire.
The move would have forced Musk to appear before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee for questioning about DOGE’s activities. However, the motion failed by a 19-20 vote, as Democrats lacked sufficient support.
The controversy surrounding Musk’s involvement in federal operations has heightened amid DOGE’s aggressive overhaul of agencies, particularly its recent dismantling of the U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID employees have been placed on administrative leave, raising concerns about the disruption of critical foreign aid programs.
Additionally, DOGE has gained access to the federal payment system, which processes tax records and distributes government funds. This access has sparked significant backlash, with advocacy groups filing lawsuits against the Treasury Department.
The administration has attempted to downplay concerns, stating that Musk and DOGE officials only have “read-only” access to the system.
Magaziner, however, remains unconvinced. “This is completely illegal,” he said. “Congress appropriates money, and the president—or his unelected lackeys—don’t have the authority to just withhold money that Congress has appropriated.”
The Rhode Island Democrat echoed growing concerns that Musk and DOGE may have unchecked access to confidential government information.
With the Treasury Department handling approximately $6 trillion annually, the agency oversees critical programs such as Social Security and Medicare, federal employee salaries, payments to contractors and grant recipients, and tax refunds for millions of Americans.
DOGE, established under the Trump administration, has been tasked with identifying inefficiencies and reducing government expenditures.
However, critics argue that its approach lacks transparency and accountability. Lawmakers across party lines have expressed alarm over the lack of congressional oversight in DOGE’s operations.
Magaziner emphasized that he supports government efficiency but insisted that it must be done legally and transparently.
“We’re all for finding fraud and making government more efficient,” he said. “If he has ideas for how to do it, he should say what they are and call them out.”
The congressman took issue with what he sees as Musk’s unilateral decision-making regarding federal funds. “But what he does not have the authority to do is just willy-nilly stop payments that have been appropriated by Congress with no process, no due process, and no transparency,” Magaziner asserted.
Musk has not publicly responded to Magaziner’s remarks, nor has he confirmed whether he would be willing to testify before Congress.
His role in reshaping government functions has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some Republicans praising his efficiency-driven approach while Democrats warn of the risks associated with placing significant authority in the hands of an unelected business magnate.
The debate over DOGE’s activities is expected to intensify as legal challenges mount against the Treasury Department’s decision to grant the agency access to financial systems.
The lawsuits argue that such access could set a dangerous precedent, allowing private individuals to wield influence over federal funds without proper oversight.
As scrutiny over Musk’s involvement grows, congressional Democrats continue pushing for greater transparency in DOGE’s operations.
Several lawmakers have called for additional hearings to examine the agency’s impact on government programs and the potential risks associated with its authority.
While House Republicans have blocked efforts to compel Musk’s testimony, Democrats may seek alternative measures to hold the billionaire accountable.
Some lawmakers have proposed legislative action to impose stricter oversight on DOGE and prevent similar instances of executive overreach in the future.
The situation underscores the broader tension between elected officials and private sector leaders who have been given significant influence over government operations.
As DOGE continues implementing changes across multiple federal agencies, the battle over accountability and transparency is far from over.
With billions of dollars and essential government services at stake, the outcome of this dispute will have lasting implications for the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch.
Whether Musk ultimately agrees to testify or continues to resist congressional scrutiny, the controversy surrounding DOGE’s role in reshaping the federal government is unlikely to subside anytime soon.
