Elon Musk is sharpening the focus of his government watchdog agency on a new target: unusually rich lawmakers. At a Wisconsin town hall, Musk revealed that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will be investigating how members of Congress built fortunes that don’t match their official incomes.
Musk didn’t hold back when asked about figures like Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). He explained that foreign aid funneled through nonprofit channels could be finding its way back into the U.S. and benefiting lawmakers.
Elon Musk announced on Sunday that DOGE will be investigating how lawmakers got rich by serving in Congress:
“How’d they get $20 million if they’re earning $200,000 a year?”
Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren, and others, have a lot of explaining going to do.pic.twitter.com/KK1TVVxFWw
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) March 31, 2025
He described the funding trails as complicated but said he is confident that a portion of taxpayer dollars eventually returns to select public officials through networks of non-governmental organizations.
DOGE Congressional audit shows three Democrats Senators have gained more than $20 million in net worst each with "no plausible explanation." 😡
"Their wealth just… appeared."😂
Their files have been turned over to Pam Bondi at justice. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dOlZSH0foq
— Sam G. (@Sam230560) February 16, 2025
DOGE’s inquiry will look at how wealth accumulates for lawmakers who draw a standard annual paycheck of $174,000. Musk, who has opposed unnecessary government spending, said this level of enrichment demands closer scrutiny.
These are the Democrats screaming the loudest about Musk and DOGE.
• Ilhan Omar: $83M
• Chuck Schumer: $75M
• Elizabeth Warren: $73M
• Adam Schiff: $60M
• Jamie Raskin: $20M
• Hakeem Jeffries: $17M
• Cory Booker: $14M
• Jasmine Crockett: $10MThese people who’ve been… pic.twitter.com/WhHzLOrDtp
— A Man Of Memes (@RickyDoggin) February 19, 2025
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has also been in the spotlight for her significant net worth, reported around $250 million. Most of her family’s money is tied to her husband’s dealings in the stock market, especially in major tech companies.
Keep an eye on them. 👇
These are the Democrats screaming the loudest about Musk and DOGE. I don’t want to hear another peep from these career politicians throwing tantrums over accountability.
These are the same people who’ve been living large off taxpayer dollars while… pic.twitter.com/mAU8w2ZNFN
— Sassafrass84 (@Sassafrass_84) February 7, 2025
The new DOGE probe builds on past criticism of politicians who appear to beat the market with uncanny timing. Musk emphasized that any financial gains linked to policy decisions or privileged information must be exposed.
Lawmakers like Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) have also drawn attention for their personal wealth. However, Scott’s business record, including founding a major healthcare company before taking office, has been well documented.
Musk says DOGE’s next mission is to follow the money through foreign aid programs and back to any domestic beneficiaries. He is pushing for reforms that bring more transparency to how public officials manage their finances.
At the same event, Musk also gave two Wisconsin voters $1 million each, part of a broader campaign to bring attention to his petition drive targeting activist judges on state courts.
