Though Democrats are unified in anti-DOGE messaging, many want improper payments and the Pentagon scrutinized. For now, Democrats lack much leverage over DOGE.
WASHINGTON—During the first two months of the second Trump administration, few issues have united Democrats like opposition to Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a time-limited organization directed by executive order to “to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity” across scores of agencies.
That unified anti-DOGE message came through from both the New Democrat Coalition and the more left-leaning Congressional Progressive Caucus. The groups held separate press conferences at a retreat for House Democrats on March 13.
The New Democrats’ chair, Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), described Musk as an “unelected billionaire and shadow president,” celebrating a federal judge’s order to the administration to reinstate thousands of probationary employees it fired.
Though Musk and DOGE cannot fire employees, they have led the charge in identifying prospective cuts to staff, leases, contracts, and other federal spending that agency heads can then implement.
Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairman Greg Casar (D-Texas) said more moderate Democrats at the retreat were talking about taxing billionaires, reflecting “a progressive win,” one born out of resistance to Musk and President Donald Trump.
Top national Democrats have joined protests against DOGE activity and prospective cuts at the Treasury Department, the Department of Education, and other agencies, while drawing attention to a barrage of lawsuits aimed at DOGE and DOGE-related activity.
Additionally, House Democrats on the Oversight Committee are investigating possible conflicts of interest involving Musk, a technologist whose work with SpaceX, Tesla, and other companies has often garnered federal subsidies, contracts, and other financial support from the government.
On Feb. 20, Senate Democrats sent Scott Turner, the secretary of Housing and Urban Development, a letter seeking answers on DOGE’s work at his agency.
Meanwhile, Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), whose district includes territory near the District of Columbia, has introduced legislation with Democrats and Republicans to help fired probationary employees. It would prevent them from having to begin their probationary period all over again if they are ultimately rehired.
