Musk Says America Could Go Bankrupt—Then He Suggests A Solution

Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a key advisor to President Donald Trump, has never been one to shy away from controversy.

Now, in his latest bold move, Musk is suggesting that members of the U.S. Congress should receive salary increases—not as a reward, but as a way to reduce corruption.

His reasoning? Higher pay, he argues, would make lawmakers less likely to seek out shady deals and backroom bribes, ultimately saving the public billions.

“It might make sense to increase compensation for Congress and senior government employees to reduce the forcing function for corruption, as the latter might be as much as 1000 times more expensive to the public,” Musk wrote on X, his social media platform.

The suggestion immediately ignited debate across the political spectrum. But is there any merit to Musk’s claim? Or is this just another billionaire’s out-of-touch solution to a deeply ingrained problem?

Musk’s Expanding Influence in Washington

Though Musk is officially only an advisor, Trump has given him sweeping authority to shrink the U.S. government through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a name that seems more like an internet meme than a federal agency.

Since taking the reins of DOGE, Musk has been on a mission to slash government spending. But his tactics have drawn sharp criticism.

Just this past December, Musk helped defeat a short-term government funding bill that would have given lawmakers a modest salary increase. He falsely claimed the bill included a lavish 40% raise, leading to its removal. In reality, the proposed increase was just 3.8%, or about $6,600 per lawmaker—a drop in the bucket compared to the federal budget.

Musk’s push to eliminate waste has led to extreme measures. In a mass email sent to two million federal workers, Musk demanded they justify their jobs or risk termination. The move was met with fierce backlash, leading one-third of his DOGE staff to resign in protest.

Despite the controversy, Trump remains unwavering in his support. “My team is thrilled with Musk,” the president insisted, even as cabinet members privately expressed frustration over DOGE’s aggressive cuts.

Would a Pay Raise Really Stop Corruption?

At first glance, Musk’s proposal seems counterintuitive. Why should Congress—already earning $174,000 per year—get more money when millions of Americans are struggling with rising costs of living?

But Musk is far from the first to suggest this idea. Some experts argue that low government salaries actually incentivize corruption, as politicians look for alternative sources of income—often from wealthy donors or corporate interests.

In many countries, paying government officials higher wages has been linked to lower corruption levels. Singapore, for example, pays its public officials among the highest salaries in the world, and its government is widely regarded as one of the least corrupt.

However, critics say this argument falls flat in the U.S., where many lawmakers already become millionaires through speaking fees, book deals, and strategic investments. Would giving them a few thousand dollars more really stop backroom deals and lobbying influence?

The Bigger Picture: Musk’s Growing Power

Musk’s influence in Washington is undeniable, and his DOGE program is already making waves. His efforts to cut government spending, eliminate bureaucracy, and “streamline” operations have made him both a hero and a villain.

His supporters see him as a necessary disruptor—someone finally holding Washington accountable. His critics, however, argue that he’s wielding too much power and making reckless decisions that could destabilize the government.

And then there’s the personal risk Musk claims to be facing. “If we don’t do this, America will go bankrupt,” he warned in a cabinet meeting, adding that he’s receiving death threats over his government overhaul.

With Musk at the helm of one of the most aggressive government reform efforts in modern history, one thing is certain: Washington will never be the same.

But whether his ideas—like raising Congress’s pay—will actually fix anything remains up for debate.

What do you think? Should Congress get a raise to prevent corruption, or is Musk way off base?