A video circulating online captures an **awkward moment** where **Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer** and **Rep. Maxine Waters** attempted to lead a crowd in an **anti-Elon Musk chant**—only to be met with **lukewarm participation**.
Rally Amid Controversy
The **rally took place in Washington, D.C.**, following the **Trump administration’s decision** to close the **USAID offices** and pause all **foreign aid** distributed through the agency. For the first time in history, USAID was placed under the **authority of the State Department**, a move that sparked **protests from lawmakers and activists**.
Adding fuel to the protest was a **report suggesting that Musk** and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team had obtained **access to Treasury Department payment systems**. According to C-SPAN, the rally was, in part, a response to these **reports**, which raised **concerns about transparency and oversight**.
Musk and Government Oversight
A Fox News report indicated that **Musk and DOGE had gained access to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service**, a **Treasury agency responsible for disbursing trillions** in **federal payments**, including **Social Security checks and government salaries**. DOGE, which was **created to streamline federal spending**, has faced **scrutiny over its role** in government financial operations and Musk’s **growing influence**.
During the rally, Schumer voiced strong opposition to Musk’s involvement, arguing that such access posed a **risk to public funds and financial privacy**.
“We cannot allow **Elon Musk** and a small group of people to secretly, **behind closed doors**, take away our **privacy**, take away our **dollars**, take away **everything we have**,” **Schumer declared**.
However, his remarks **failed to galvanize the crowd** into sustained chanting.
Public Reaction
Despite **Schumer and Waters’ efforts** to incite **vocal opposition** to Musk, the rally **appeared to fall flat**. A clip of the event posted to **Musk’s social media platform, X**, showed a **lack of enthusiasm** from attendees, leading to **ridicule and criticism online**.
Many observers pointed out the irony of using a **Musk-owned platform** to protest his alleged **government overreach**.
Meanwhile, **supporters of Musk defended his actions**, arguing that his involvement in **government efficiency initiatives** could help **eliminate wasteful spending**. Others, however, remain **skeptical** about the **transparency of such efforts** and whether they **grant too much power to a private individual**.
Ongoing Debate
As **questions continue to swirl** around Musk’s **government ties**, lawmakers on **both sides of the aisle** are calling for **greater scrutiny** of **DOGE and its influence** over financial systems. Some officials are **pushing for hearings** to examine Musk’s **role in government affairs** and the extent of his **access to sensitive financial data**.
While **Schumer and Waters** may not have succeeded in rallying **mass opposition** at their event, the debate over Musk’s **government involvement** is far from over. As **new developments emerge**, the issue is expected to remain a **contentious topic in Washington and beyond**.
Musk Responds to Treasury Payment Allegations
Amid ongoing investigations, **Musk criticized alleged “fraudulent” Treasury payments** on Saturday. Reports suggest that **DOGE had gained access to federal payment systems** as part of a broader effort to **reduce waste and overspending**.
Musk, the chair of DOGE, posted early Saturday morning on **X**:
“The @DOGE team discovered, among other things, that **payment approval officers** at Treasury were instructed **always to approve payments**, even to **known fraudulent or terrorist groups**. They literally **never denied a payment** in their entire career. **Not even once.**”
