A recent exchange between Democratic Representative Nydia Velazquez and Elon Musk has ignited a firestorm of controversy. During a protest outside the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Rep. Velazquez questioned Musk's presence in the United States, telling him to "go back to South Africa." This statement, referencing a debunked online rumor about Musk's views on immigration, has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from conservatives.

Rep. Velazquez's remarks, made during a protest against perceived cuts to vital programs under Musk's leadership, were captured in a video that quickly spread across social media. Critics labeled her comments as "unhinged" and "nativism," expressing surprise that a Democratic representative would make such statements about an immigrant. Some questioned her motives, contrasting her stance towards Musk with her perceived leniency towards undocumented immigrants.

The incident follows a similar controversy involving Democratic Representative Marcy Kaptur, who also questioned Musk's loyalty to the U.S. given his immigrant background and multiple citizenships. These incidents have fueled debate about the appropriateness of questioning individuals' patriotism based on their immigration status, particularly in the context of political disagreements.

This escalating tension comes amid ongoing protests against Musk's leadership and policy changes, which critics argue are detrimental to essential programs. Rep. Velazquez and other Democrats have voiced strong concerns about these changes, leading to public confrontations and heated online exchanges. Fox News reached out to Rep. Velazquez's office for comment on the situation.

Contribution by Kyle Schmidbauer, Fox News Digital