Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) took to Instagram to slam tech billionaire Elon Musk, calling him one of the most “morally vacant” and “unintelligent billionaires” she’s ever encountered.
In a live video, Ocasio-Cortez discussed Musk’s growing influence over the U.S. government, especially through his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The agency has been gaining access to key government departments, including the Treasury Department and USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development).
“This dude is probably one of the most unintelligent billionaires I have ever met or seen or witnessed,” Ocasio-Cortez said in the video.
She also criticized DOGE for putting young, inexperienced people in powerful positions, especially at the Treasury Department, where some 19-year-olds were reportedly given significant responsibilities.
Ocasio-Cortez didn’t hold back, calling out Musk not only lacking in intelligence but also morally empty. “The danger in the lack of intelligence and the lack of expertise that Elon has… this guy is one of the most morally vacant, but also just least knowledgeable about these systems that we know of,” she said.
She warned that Musk’s actions could lead to a serious problem if things “go sideways.”
In recent days, there has been growing concern about Musk’s influence, especially after DOGE was granted access to the Treasury Department’s federal payment system. This system manages $6 trillion every year, including funding for Social Security, Medicare, federal salaries, and payments to contractors and grant recipients.
White House officials have defended their actions, saying they are working to ensure that government spending matches the priorities of the Trump administration. However, Democrats like Ocasio-Cortez are worried that this access could put sensitive government information at risk.
