Democrats set sights on Elon Musk probe after midterm wins, but Pritzker draws a surprising line

After Democrats’ midterm gains, lawmakers are discussing investigations into the Trump administration, including the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Elon Musk helped launch and lead. Representative Jamie Raskin and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker both said DOGE’s work should be scrutinised, though Pritzker questioned whether an inquiry should focus on Musk personally.

DOGE sought to reduce federal spending and staffing, using measures including deferred resignations and buyouts; the federal workforce contracted by about 250,000 in 2025, according to the Government Accountability Office. Critics have also raised concerns about DOGE’s access to sensitive personal information, while some Democrats want scrutiny of Musk’s government contracts and his role in cutting internet access to Ukraine’s military. Democrats have pledged to use congressional investigations and subpoenas to examine the administration.