In a dramatic turn of events on Capitol Hill, tech billionaire Elon Musk was subjected to an intense congressional interrogation led by Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Jasmine Crockett. The hearing focused on Musk’s controversial government reform initiative, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOG), and its alleged role in bypassing traditional federal oversight. Accusations ranged from political bias on the X platform to improper federal contracting of Starlink and Neuralink technologies.

AOC pressed Musk on whether DOG was being used as a shadow government to empower conservative allies, citing internal memos linking DOG officials to Trump donors. “You’re not reforming government, Mr. Musk — you’re privatizing it,” she declared.

Crockett took a harsher tone, grilling Musk over DOG’s use of AI surveillance, potential misuse of user data, and DOG’s ties to Dogecoin. “You’re not a savior. You’re a sovereign actor manipulating markets and minds,” she stated.

Musk defended himself calmly, citing national security, innovation, and digital free speech. “DOG exists to make government smarter, not bigger. If you fear efficiency, perhaps it’s because inefficiency protects power,” he said.

The hearing was broadcast live, drawing millions of viewers and sparking fierce national debate. With threats of subpoenas and legal probes looming, this clash between Silicon Valley’s most powerful disruptor and Washington’s fiercest progressive voices is far from over.