Elon Musk with a controversial statement; FEMA funds were unlawfully spent to house unauthorized immigrants

Elon Musk’s latest revelation has ignited widespread debate after his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team exposed FEMA’s alleged misuse of $59 million in funds. According to Musk, these funds, intended for disaster relief, were instead spent on accommodating illegal migrants in luxury hotels across New York City.

One of the most scrutinized hotels in this arrangement is the Roosevelt Hotel, a historic landmark in Midtown Manhattan. Social media users were quick to question its ownership, revealing that the property is controlled by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan’s state-owned airline. This discovery has fueled concerns that U.S. taxpayer dollars may have indirectly benefited a foreign government.

Musk also pointed out that FEMA’s actions violated an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump, which restricts FEMA’s expenditures to disaster relief efforts. His team has called for the recovery of the misallocated funds, further amplifying the controversy.

The Roosevelt Hotel, which first opened in 1924, has long been recognized for its architectural significance and its place in New York’s skyline. Designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style by George B. Post & Son, the 19-story building remains a key part of the city’s history. However, its role in New York’s migrant housing efforts has now come under intense scrutiny.

As the city grapples with a worsening housing crisis, officials have leased over 100 hotels, including the Roosevelt, to provide emergency accommodations for thousands of migrants. While local authorities argue that such measures are necessary, critics warn that leasing a foreign-owned hotel with taxpayer funds raises serious concerns about financial oversight and national interests.

Among the prominent voices weighing in on the debate is former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who expressed outrage over the situation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated, “A taxpayer-funded hotel for illegal migrants is owned by the Pakistani government, which means NYC taxpayers are effectively paying a foreign government to house illegals in our own country.”

The controversy underscores broader tensions between foreign agreements and domestic policies. While city officials defend the leasing decision as a practical response to the migrant crisis, opponents argue it sets a troubling precedent for foreign involvement in U.S. taxpayer-funded initiatives.

With scrutiny mounting over FEMA’s financial decisions, Musk’s revelation has placed the Roosevelt Hotel deal at the center of a growing national debate. The situation continues to unfold, with increasing calls for accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.