Democratic lawmakers are increasingly considering aligning with former Department of Government Efficiency leader Elon Musk as he publicly clashes with President Donald Trump over the controversial One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is currently making its way through Congress. While many party members and voters have previously criticized Musk as a ‘fascist’ or ‘dictator’ for his criticisms of federal spending and Trump administration fraud, some Democrats are now re-evaluating their stance. This shift is evident in the growing dialogue within the party about whether Musk’s stance on the legislation could be beneficial for their political strategy.
Rep. Ro Khanna of California, in a recent post on X, suggested that if Biden had a prominent supporter criticize him, Trump would have embraced that critic, implying that the Democratic Party could adopt a more effective approach by aligning with Musk. Khanna also emphasized the importance of the Democratic Party demonstrating its historical capability to build a progressive majority, similar to the New Deal era. In conversations with Politico, Khanna indicated that the party should focus on convincing Musk that the Democratic Party holds values that align with his own, potentially positioning him as a strategic ally.
The shift in perception is not limited to Khanna. Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York also expressed support for Musk’s critique of the legislation, highlighting that Musk has ‘done an enormous amount of damage’ through his actions. However, Torres acknowledges that not all Democrats agree with this view, as some see Musk’s actions as an unforgivable sin. This growing internal debate reflects a broader tension within the party, as members weigh the potential benefits of aligning with Musk against their longstanding criticisms of his policies and public conduct.
Meanwhile, the public feud between Musk and Trump has intensified, with both sides exchanging sharp criticism over the legislative bill’s specifics, particularly its impact on electric vehicle mandates. Trump has dismissed Musk’s criticisms as opportunistic, suggesting that Musk changed his position only after learning about the EV mandate cuts. Musk, in turn, has accused Trump of lying and has criticized the bill as a ‘disgusting abomination.’ This ongoing conflict has not only strained their personal relationship but also has broader implications for the political landscape, influencing how different factions of the Democratic Party might choose to engage with Musk’s criticisms.
As the debate continues, the Democratic Party’s approach to Musk represents a significant shift in strategy, raising questions about the party’s ability to balance its internal ideological divides with the potential advantages of engaging with a high-profile figure like Musk. The situation highlights the complex dynamics within the party as it navigates the challenges of maintaining its core values while exploring new political alliances.