Drama unfolded in the House Oversight Committee Thursday as a bid to subpoena Elon Musk for Congressional testimony fell just short. The Democrats’ attempt, spearheaded by Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), ultimately failed in a tight 20-21 vote.

Lynch argued that Musk’s actions, particularly given his role as a Trump advisor and former head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), warrant scrutiny. He voiced concerns about Musk operating “without any oversight whatsoever,” citing potential violations of security and privacy laws as a significant risk.

The narrow defeat highlights the significant political hurdles Democrats face in their efforts to investigate Musk and his companies. The outcome leaves questions unanswered about the level of oversight applied to influential figures in the tech world and their potential impact on national security and privacy.

This close vote underscores the intense political maneuvering surrounding the issue and suggests further attempts to compel Musk’s testimony may be on the horizon.