Elon Musk threatens to hit back at Democrats as his billion-dollar business empire faces potential probes after midterms

Elon Musk has threatened to retaliate against Democrats who investigate him if they win control of Congress next month, raising the prospect of a bruising political battle over his multibillion-dollar business empire.The world's richest man issued the warning as Democratic lawmakers consider investigating his companies' lucrative federal contracts, his controversial cost-cutting drive in Washington and his alleged role in disrupting Ukraine's access to satellite internet.'Live by the sword, die by the sword,' Musk wrote on his social media platform X on Wednesday. 'Those who pick fights with me should understand that I will find out who is really pulling the strings and come for them, not just their puppets.'The threat follows reports that Democrats are drawing up plans to scrutinize Musk if they take control of the House or Senate in the November 3 midterms, including a Politico article released Tuesday with the headline , 'Democrats have a message for Elon Musk: Watch out'.Musk's warning also came after tech journalist Kara Swisher, who recently partnered with Hillary Clinton on a podcast, suggested he could face serious consequences if Democrats regain control of Congress.Speaking on a podcast, Swisher said lawmakers could investigate Musk's time leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), as well as questions surrounding his business dealings and government contracts.'If Donald Trump loses the Senate, I would be worried if I were him even though how rich he is,' Swisher said, adding that she believed scrutiny was coming for Musk. Elon Musk has threatened to retaliate against Democrats who investigate him if they win control of Congress next month SpaceX has become a major supplier to NASA and the US national security establishment, while its Starlink satellite network provides communications infrastructure used by Ukraine's military during its war with RussiaDemocrats have raised questions about reports that Musk ordered a Starlink slowdown affecting Ukrainian forcesMusk hit back on X, writing: 'Sounds like Swisher really wants to go to prison.' He also warned that those who challenged him should expect him to pursue them in return.At stake are billions of dollars in government contracts held by SpaceX, the rocket and satellite company Musk leads, as well as questions about potential conflicts of interest arising from his time working with President Donald Trump's administration.SpaceX has become a major supplier to NASA and the US national security establishment, while its Starlink satellite network provides communications infrastructure used by Ukraine's military during its war with Russia.Democrats have raised questions about reports that Musk ordered a Starlink slowdown affecting Ukrainian forces, with lawmakers questioning how decisions by a private company could affect a conflict in which the US has a major strategic interest.Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told Politico: 'What happens when one guy gets a giant contract from the government and then uses it to do something that shuts down communication in a war that has been extremely important for the United States to support Ukraine?'Musk has disputed claims that he independently controlled military Starlink restrictions, saying that decisions about limits on speed or usage are made by the US military and ultimately the president.His government work is another potential target. Musk helped lead the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which pursued sweeping spending cuts and reductions in the federal workforce during Trump's second administration. Rep. Pramila Jayapal questioned whether Musk should be able to use his government contracts to make decisions affecting communications in a war the US has supported during her interview with Politico Musk helped lead the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which pursued sweeping spending cuts and reductions in the federal workforce during Trump's second administrationDemocrats have questioned DOGE's access to sensitive government information, its handling of federal spending and its role in cutting jobs and disrupting government agencies.A Democratic majority could give lawmakers control of powerful congressional committees with the ability to demand documents, hold hearings and compel testimony, potentially putting Musk's dealings with Washington under a brighter spotlight.Musk, who returned to running his businesses after leaving his government role in May 2025, has also emerged as one of the most influential political donors in the country.He has spent roughly $366 million on the 2026 midterm elections so far, including at least $276 million since July, making him a major financial backer of Republicans fighting to retain control of Congress.His political spending has increased the stakes of the election for Musk, whose businesses operate in industries heavily influenced by federal contracts, regulation and government policy.Tesla, his electric vehicle company, faces a different set of pressures, including competition in the electric car market and the impact of government policy on the industry. SpaceX's position as a major government contractor means congressional scrutiny could have implications beyond Musk's personal political standing.Democrats have not yet launched the full slate of investigations outlined in reports about their plans. Any formal inquiries would depend on the election outcome, committee priorities and the specific allegations lawmakers choose to pursue.Musk, meanwhile, has made clear he intends to fight back if lawmakers turn their attention to his businesses and his time in government.