How’d They Get $20 Million On A $200K Salary?’ Asks Musk As He Reveals Congress’s ‘Strangely Wealthy’ Members Are Next In DOGE’s Crosshairs
By David LaGuerre
Elon Musk has set his sights on a new target for his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): members of Congress who have amassed substantial wealth despite their relatively modest government salaries. Speaking at a town hall in Wisconsin on March 30, 2025, Musk questioned how lawmakers earning $174,000 annually have become multimillionaires, promising to “connect the dots” on their wealth accumulation.
The Wealth Gap in Congress
“How do they get $20 million if they’re earning $200,000 a year? Nobody can explain that,” Musk said during the Wisconsin event. “We’re going to try to figure it out and certainly stop it from happening.”
The world’s richest man, worth approximately $330 billion, suggested that his DOGE team would investigate the financial affairs of several prominent lawmakers, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and others whose combined net worth reportedly exceeds $400 million.
Pelosi, whose net worth is estimated at around $250 million, has faced particular scrutiny over her family’s investment portfolio. Her wealth largely stems from her venture capitalist husband Paul’s investments in major tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. These investments have repeatedly drawn attention for their timing and profitability.
Following the Money Trail
Musk’s comments came in response to an attendee who asked whether DOGE had uncovered evidence of funds flowing from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to certain lawmakers. Musk described what he believes is a “circuitous route” through which government money might eventually reach politicians’ pockets.
“They’ll send the money overseas to one NGO, then they’ll go through a bunch of them, and then I’m highly confident that a bunch of that money then comes back to the United States and lands in the pockets of the people you just mentioned,” Musk claimed, though he acknowledged the complexity of tracing such financial flows.
The Mechanisms of Wealth Accumulation
Congressional wealth accumulation occurs through various channels, both legitimate and potentially problematic:
- Stock trading: Members of Congress can trade stocks while having access to non-public information through committee assignments and briefings. The STOCK Act, passed in 2012, was meant to prevent insider trading but has faced criticism for weak enforcement.
- Real estate investments: Many lawmakers have substantial real estate holdings that provide rental income and appreciate over time.
- Book deals and speaking fees: Prominent members can earn significant income through book royalties and paid appearances.
- Family businesses: Some members enter Congress with substantial wealth from previous business ventures or family inheritances.
- Post-congressional employment: The prospect of lucrative lobbying or consulting positions after leaving office—the “revolving door”—can influence decisions while in office.
Public Reaction and Implications
Musk’s announcement has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters praise his efforts to increase transparency in government finances, while critics question his motives and the lack of concrete evidence behind his claims.
“I’ve been waiting on this for decades. I hope it’s not just more talk. Show us some action,” wrote one social media user in response to Musk’s comments.
The investigation, if pursued, could have significant implications for how Congress operates. It might lead to stricter financial disclosure requirements, limitations on stock trading by lawmakers, or reforms to prevent conflicts of interest.
The Broader Context of DOGE
Musk’s focus on congressional wealth comes amid his broader work with DOGE, which President Trump established to identify government inefficiencies and reduce federal spending. The department claims to have already identified $140 billion in potential savings.
However, Musk’s tenure with DOGE may be limited. As a “special government employee,” his service is restricted to 130 days, which would end in late May 2025 unless extended. Both Musk and Trump have indicated that he will eventually return to his private sector roles at Tesla and SpaceX.
Looking Forward
Whether DOGE’s investigation into congressional wealth will produce concrete results remains to be seen. The complexity of financial networks and the legal protections afforded to lawmakers present significant challenges.
Nevertheless, Musk’s public spotlight on the issue has renewed attention to the perennial question of how public servants become wealthy while in office—a question that resonates with many Americans concerned about corruption and influence in government.
As one observer noted, the real test will be whether this investigation leads to meaningful reforms or remains merely another talking point in the ongoing debate about money in politics.
