According to CNBC, Rep. Ro Khanna challenged Elon Musk to a televised debate on Monday following an intense dispute over the Department of Government Efficiency's impact. Khanna proposed the debate could take place on CNN, CNBC, or at a university, saying it should focus on DOGE's effects and his wealth tax proposal.
The challenge followed a social media clash on X over USAID's closure. Khanna cited a Lancet study claiming the shutdown could cause 4.5 million child deaths globally, prompting Musk to accuse him of lying and call for legal action. Musk countered that DOGE simply required aid recipients' contact information to prevent fraud.