Democrats have voiced interest in collaborating with Elon Musk and DOGE to tackle waste and fraud in government spending. However, tensions are rising as Musk takes an aggressive stance, particularly in his criticism of federal workers. This puts Democrats in a difficult position—balancing support for government reform without alienating crucial voter blocs.
Democrats Caught Between Reform and Political Fallout
Following their defeat in the last election, Democrats are eager to highlight the shortcomings of the current administration. However, their opposition to Trump himself has been relatively subdued. Instead, Musk has emerged as a prime target. The question remains: Are Democrats allies or adversaries of Musk?
Initially, several prominent Democrats praised Musk. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) likened him to the key industrialists enlisted by Franklin D. Roosevelt to prepare for war. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) even compared Musk to a Marvel superhero. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) expressed willingness to work with him on reducing Pentagon waste.
Yet, their stance has since shifted. Musk is now being portrayed as an unelected disruptor recklessly challenging established government institutions. Legal actions have been taken against him, further complicating the relationship. Democrats appear to be choosing their battles—aligning with policies that paint them as pro-progress while distancing themselves from those that could be perceived as anti-citizen.
Democratic strategist Jason Bresler highlighted the political risks: “Touching entitlement programs is political suicide for a Democrat.”
Where Democrats Draw the Line
Sen. Warren outlined her position: “If Musk wants to cut spending, I’ve sent him a list of 30 items where he could start. But I am not open to helping him violate the law to shut down government functions authorized by Congress.”
Similarly, Sen. Fetterman continues to support Musk’s original vision but has voiced concerns about his access to sensitive data. He recently posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I want to save billions and make our government more efficient. But rummaging through personal data is not the way.” He urged Musk to slow down to avoid overstepping boundaries.
Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) reported that his office has received numerous calls from constituents worried about Musk’s influence. He fears potential cuts to social safety net programs. Meanwhile, Rep. Khanna accused Musk of “attacking American institutions in an unconstitutional manner.” Musk’s blunt response? “Don’t be a dick.”
Legal Challenges Against DOGE
DOGE now faces 11 lawsuits alleging illegal access to Americans’ personal information, in violation of the Privacy Act of 1974. This law, enacted post-Watergate, restricts how government agencies handle personal data. These legal challenges pose a significant hurdle for DOGE, threatening to stall its operations.
Compounding these issues, DOGE has reportedly sought access to private data from at least three federal agencies. Sources indicate that Michelle King, head of the Social Security Administration, resigned last weekend after refusing DOGE’s request for personally identifiable information (PII), including names and financial records.
Musk’s Vision vs. Political Reality
Musk’s push for reform is meeting resistance, both politically and legally. While some Democrats acknowledge the need for change, they are wary of backing a figure as polarizing as Musk—especially if it risks alienating key voter groups. The battle over DOGE is more than just a policy debate; it is a power struggle shaping the future of government oversight and corporate influence.
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