House Democrats Try to Attack Trump by Targeting Elon Musk

The head of President Donald Trump’s government efficiency effort, Elon Musk, is emerging as a messaging punching bag for Democrats as they pick up the pieces of their stinging defeat in last year’s elections and search for a winning message for 2026.

After seeing their anti-Trump arguments fail last year, Democrats are betting that targeting the less popular, controversial entrepreneur — who holds no elected office or Senate confirmed post — will play better with independent voters and energize their base. Criticism of Musk and how to counter his aggressive slashing of federal agencies has been a major topic as House Democrats assemble this week for a three-day retreat in Leesburg, Va.