Ro Khanna Challenges Elon Musk to Debate 4.5 Million Child-Death Claim
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jun 22
Ro Khanna Challenges Elon Musk to Debate 4.5 Million Child-Death Claim
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jun 22
Summary
CNBC interview remarks on Monday turned Ro Khanna's clash with Elon Musk into a public challenge, with the California congressman inviting a televised debate on DOGE cuts, USAID and his proposed wealth tax.
The challenge followed a heated X exchange after Khanna cited a Lancet study saying USAID cuts could cause more than 4.5 million children's deaths; Musk called him a liar, threatened to sue and said aid reviews were meant to stop fraud.
Musk, who led the Department of Government Efficiency effort that effectively shuttered USAID last year, did not immediately respond through a spokesman to the debate invitation.
Khanna cast the fight as part of a broader Democratic push against billionaire power ahead of 2028, even as his wealth-tax stance has already strained ties with some former Silicon Valley supporters.