A group of House Judiciary Democrats has raised serious concerns over Elon Musk’s position at the Department of Government Efficiency, citing potential conflicts of interest due to his vast financial ties to federal contracts and subsidies.
In a sharply worded letter sent Friday to newly appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi, the lawmakers urged a thorough investigation into whether Musk’s involvement violates federal ethics laws.
Concerns Over Financial Interests and Federal Contracts
The letter points to Musk’s leadership in multiple companies—such as Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink—that frequently engage with federal agencies on defense contracts, telecommunications regulations, and energy policies. Democrats argue that his dual role as both a government advisor and a key player in industries dependent on federal funding raises significant ethical and legal questions.
“Mr. Musk’s position as a Special Government Employee (SGE) demands heightened scrutiny,” the letter states. “The Department of Justice must rigorously enforce criminal and civil mechanisms to prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.”
Potential Violations of Federal Ethics Laws
The lawmakers specifically cite 18 U.S.C. § 208, which prohibits federal employees, including SGEs, from participating in government matters that directly affect their financial interests or those of close affiliates. They also highlight the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, which mandates strict disclosure requirements for officials who may face conflicts of interest.
Federal spending records reveal that SpaceX and Starlink have received over $3.3 billion in federal funds from agencies such as NASA, the Air Force, and the Defense Information Systems Agency in the past year alone. Given Musk’s involvement in federal decision-making, House Democrats insist that the DOJ and the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) investigate whether his actions breach legal boundaries.
White House and Musk’s Defense
Despite these concerns, the White House has maintained that Musk is responsible for determining whether he faces a conflict of interest. President Donald Trump has repeatedly dismissed allegations of impropriety, stating, “If there’s a conflict, we won’t let him get near it. He would know not to do it.”
However, lawmakers remain unconvinced, arguing that self-regulation is inadequate when billions of taxpayer dollars and the integrity of federal governance are at stake.
Call for DOJ and OGE Investigation
The letter, also addressed to David Huitema, Director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, urges immediate action. “The American people deserve assurances that no individual, regardless of stature, is permitted to influence policy for personal gain,” the lawmakers wrote. “Failure to enforce this statute risks eroding confidence in the impartiality of federal decision-making.”
The call for scrutiny has gained traction among House Judiciary Committee members, with 11 Democrats—including Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin—signing the letter. Other signatories include Reps. Deborah Ross, Hank Johnson, Pramila Jayapal, Becca Balint, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Steve Cohen, Eric Swalwell, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jasmine Crockett, Dan Goldman, and Valerie Foushee.
Awaiting a Response
As of now, neither the Attorney General’s office nor Huitema has commented on the request. However, with mounting pressure from lawmakers and increasing public interest in government accountability, the issue is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Whether the DOJ takes action remains to be seen, but the scrutiny surrounding Musk’s role at DOGE underscores the ongoing debate over ethics, governance, and corporate influence in federal affairs.
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