Musk’s DOGE Team Zeroes In On Lawmakers’ Mysterious Fortunes
Elon Musk’s campaign to root out corruption in Washington has taken a new turn, with his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) now setting its sights on members of Congress whose personal fortunes appear far out of step with their public salaries.
Speaking at a town hall in Wisconsin, Musk addressed concerns from the public about how certain lawmakers, including Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), managed to amass significant wealth despite earning just $174,000 a year.
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
Musk laid out a scenario involving U.S. government funds traveling through multiple NGOs overseas before allegedly making their way back to the U.S. in a manner that benefits the very lawmakers responsible for the funding. While he stopped short of confirming illegal activity, he said DOGE is now focused on “connecting the dots.”
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
He pointed to what he called an unusual pattern of wealth accumulation that defies explanation through standard congressional income. DOGE, according to Musk, will be examining financial links, overseas transfers and backchannel investments that may be fueling the accumulation of riches among elected officials.
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
The wealth of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was also referenced. Pelosi, with an estimated net worth near $250 million, has long faced scrutiny for her stock trades and those of her husband, Paul Pelosi, who has invested heavily 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
Musk has previously opposed congressional pay increases, but now argues that low salaries might encourage officials to seek alternative, potentially unethical, sources of income. He believes that making lawmaker pay more competitive could help curb the temptation.
DOGE’s review is expected to include communications between congressional offices and recipients of U.S. foreign aid, as well as asset holdings that might reveal conflicts of interest or backdoor payoffs.