PHOENIX, AZ – U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly responded sharply after billionaire Elon Musk called him a “traitor” for supporting Ukraine during a recent visit to the war-torn country.
Kelly, a former Navy combat pilot and NASA astronaut, met with Ukrainian officials, wounded soldiers, and military hospital workers over the weekend, documenting the trip on X (formerly Twitter).
In response to one of Kelly’s posts, Musk commented simply: “You are a traitor.”
Kelly Responds to Musk’s Accusation
Kelly did not hold back in his response, writing:
“Traitor? Elon, if you don’t understand that defending freedom is a basic tenet of what makes America great and keeps us safe, maybe you should leave it to those of us who do.”
Later, during an interview with Rachel Maddow on MSNBC, Kelly took a stronger stance, contrasting his military service with Musk’s business dealings.
“I took an oath to defend the Constitution when I joined the Navy,” Kelly said. “The only oath I can think of that maybe Elon has sworn is an oath to his own checking account.”
Kelly Calls Out Musk’s Role in the Trump Administration
Kelly also criticized Musk’s involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration, claiming that the billionaire was using his power to fire government workers, including veterans, and cut federal services for financial gain.
“I think Elon needs to go back to making rockets. That’s what he should focus on,” Kelly said. “He shouldn’t be focused on this slash-and-burn of the federal government.”
Kelly argued that Musk’s actions were part of a larger effort to shrink the government and justify tax cuts for the wealthy.
“He’s doing it for one reason,” Kelly said. “He’s doing this so they create a little space so the big, giant tax cuts that they’re going to give for millionaires and billionaires do not look as bad.”
Ongoing Tensions Between Musk and U.S. Officials
This exchange is the latest in a series of clashes between Musk and U.S. government officials, particularly those who have criticized his role in shaping federal policy.
Kelly, who has now visited Ukraine three times since Russia’s invasion, has been a vocal advocate for continued U.S. military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, a position that has drawn opposition from Musk and other Trump allies.
The dispute underscores growing tensions over U.S. foreign policy and federal government restructuring, as Musk continues to wield influence in Washington while Kelly and other lawmakers push back.
