Elon Musk fired back late Monday at Sen. Alex Padilla after the California Democrat called for an investigation into the billionaire, escalating a growing political fight over Musk’s companies, his government work, and his role in restricting Ukraine’s use of Starlink.

Padilla wrote on X, "INVESTIGATE ELON MUSK."

Musk responded with a mocking message of his own.

“Investigate your wiener,” Musk wrote.

@SenAlexPadilla Investigate your wiener

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 27, 2026

Gun Laws Have Changed! Protect yourself by knowing where you can and cannot carry your firearm, so you can travel with confidence.

The exchange comes as Democrats have increasingly discussed investigations involving Musk if they gain control of the House or Senate in November.

Musk has recently faced criticism over his handling of Starlink access for Ukraine after the satellite service was used in connection with Ukrainian attacks against Russia. Musk acknowledged restricting access and defended his decision by saying Starlink was never intended to be used for offensive military strikes.

“Using Starlink, a civilian commercial service, for offensive drone strikes to kill people has never been allowed, nor should it be,” Musk said.

He also called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky an “evil warmonger.”

The controversy has added to Democratic scrutiny of Musk over SpaceX, Tesla and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency.

Politico reported that House Democrats have held meetings discussing possible investigations and subpoenas involving Musk if they regain congressional power.

That prospect was also discussed during a live event in Atlanta, Georgia, involving figures from The Bulwark.

Jonathan Last said Musk could face an aggressive series of investigations.

“This has a body count like a f**king war criminal. We start with the US Congress, and it ends at The Hague for Elon Musk,” Last said. “You’ve got $1 trillion, asshole? Great, you start spending it on lawyers.”

Last also described discussions among House Democrats over which committees could pursue Musk.

“There has been a series of meetings among House Democrats. Do you know what they’re doing? Yes. They’re carving up jurisdictions for who is going to subpoena him to testify before which of them for what,” he said. “Elon, you motherf**ker, you better pack a lunch because your ass is gonna be living in the Capitol starting January of 2027.”

Musk has previously responded to threats of investigations with a warning of his own.

“If they want to live by the sword, that is how they will die too,” Musk wrote on X.

@WesternLensman If they want to live by the sword, that is how they will die too

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 24, 2026

Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich has also called on congressional Democrats to “Defund Musk” by taking control of his businesses and nationalizing them.

Musk rejected that proposal and responded directly to Reich.

“Stealing companies is a serious crime. Prison for Reich.”

@CollinRugg Stealing companies is a serious crime. Prison for Reich.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 25, 2026

The latest confrontation with Padilla then shifted attention toward the senator’s own past as California secretary of state.

Musk responded to a post by Katie Miller, wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, highlighting a previous controversy involving a $35 million voter outreach contract awarded while Padilla served as California’s top election official.

Republicans on the House Oversight Committee previously investigated Padilla over the contract, which was awarded to SKD Knickerbocker, a consulting firm with ties to Joe Biden’s presidential campaign.

California State Controller Betty Yee rejected the contract and the multimillion-dollar payment, but SKD Knickerbocker proceeded with the work, leaving the state with an outstanding financial obligation to the firm.

House Republicans raised concerns at the time about whether taxpayer funds were being directed to a politically connected company in a manner that could affect the election.

“Awarding taxpayer money to a partisan firm with the potential to influence an election after the contractor has publicly advertised its work on behalf of a political candidate in that same election is a conflict of interest,” the committee argued. “This contract will undoubtedly provide a partisan firm the opportunity to use taxpayer money to influence the federal election. Additionally, there are serious questions about how the contract was awarded, whether the firm will have access to sensitive voter information, and if any of the firm’s employees affiliated with ‘Team Biden’ will be involved with the project.”

Musk seized on that history while responding to Padilla.

"Sounds like Alex P knows a thing or two about being investigated," Musk wrote.

Emily Miller also highlighted the previous contract dispute in a post criticizing Padilla.

"As California's top election official during the 2020 presidential election, Alex Padilla handed a $35M voter-contact contract to Joe Biden's campaign firm.

The state controller even refused to pay because she said his office didn't have the authority to spend the money.

Alex illegally used federal election grant money for get-out-the-vote work."

Sounds like Alex P knows a thing or two about being investigated

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 27, 2026

The allegations surrounding the California contract were previously the subject of congressional scrutiny, while Padilla has now turned his attention toward Musk.

The back-and-forth reflects an increasingly hostile political relationship between Musk and Democratic officials as lawmakers discuss possible investigations into his businesses and government activities.

With Democrats openly talking about subpoenas and hearings if they regain congressional control, Musk has shown no indication that he intends to respond quietly. His latest exchange with Padilla instead turned the senator’s demand for an investigation into another public confrontation over who should be facing scrutiny.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.