'I stand corrected': Elon Musk deletes post after calling GOP senator 'deep state puppet'

Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Chair Elon Musk deleted a post on his X (formerly Twitter) social media platform after calling Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) a "deep state puppet."

During a Sunday morning tirade about federal grants and aid programs like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Musk lashed out at Young and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

Musk reposted a report noting Young "joined the board of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a State Department-funded NGO. His position creates a clear conflict of interest in opposing @TulsiGabbard's confirmation."

"Deep state puppet," the billionaire stated.

"I assume this isn't part of the White House's effort to lock up Todd Young's vote for Tulsi Gabbard?" Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman asked Musk.

Within hours, Musk deleted his original post and replaced it with a correction.

"Just had an excellent conversation with @SenToddYoung," Musk wrote. "I stand corrected. Senator Young will be a great ally in restoring power to the people from the vast, unelected bureaucracy."

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The rant came as DOGE sought to dismantle USAID. The department's website was taken offline Saturday, and two of its security officials were put on leave along with dozens of others.

By Sunday, USAID's X account was also offline.

Musk did not delete a post suggesting Graham broke the law by serving as director of the International Republican Institute, a nonprofit funded by USAID.