A House Oversight Committee hearing on Wednesday became chaotic after Democratic were blocked from subpoenaing Elon Musk. The dispute began when Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cut federal budgets and staff, alarming Democrats. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) moved to subpoena Musk, accusing him of dismantling federal agencies without congressional approval. Oversight Chair James Comer (R-KY) dismissed the motion, angering Democrats, including Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), who clashed with Comer during the session.

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Musk is a special government employee but was uncertain about his security clearance. CNN reported that Musk may have been granted top-secret clearance. Musk also vowed to rescue two NASA astronauts stranded in space, criticizing delays under the Biden administration. Initially, Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy were set to lead DOGE, but Ramaswamy stepped down to run for Ohio governor. Both have advocated for reducing federal government power.