Was mocking Musk a mistake? Democrats think about warmer relationship with the billionaire

Ro Khanna is trading texts with Elon Musk. Josh Shapiro took a call from him. And John Fetterman has compared him to the superhero Tony Stark.

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to install Musk as the federal government’s cutter-in-chief, some ambitious Democrats are taking a warmer approach to the billionaire businessman than their party leaders have in the past as he has become one the most influential people on the planet.

“He’s had an undeniable impact on the Pennsylvania election, and I think the election overall,” Fetterman, the Democratic Pennsylvania senator, told POLITICO. “I’ve warned Democrats, if you’re just going to make fun of it or to dismiss it, you do it at our peril. And I think that’s very clear what happened.”

Musk is the world’s richest man, and his companies are helping determine the future of space exploration, electric vehicles, AI and social media. Democrats who are making friendly overtures to him said that they want to shape the thinking of someone who will have an outsize microphone regardless of what they do. They are also eager to encourage him to develop his businesses in their backyards.

Some of them are also eyeing presidential runs in 2028, and may want to avoid getting on his bad side for political reasons. Musk spent $280 million this year supporting Trump and other Republicans.

The relationship between Democrats and Musk has been icy for the past few years. President Joe Biden said Musk’s ties to other countries were “worthy of being looked at” and attacked him as a one-time “illegal worker.” Musk, in turn, called Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris each a “puppet.” Liberals also laughed off Musk’s purchase of X and his efforts to turn out the vote for Trump — with vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz mocking him for “skipping like a dipshit” on stage at a rally.

But increasingly, some Democrats are arguing that was the wrong approach and think Musk played an outsize role in helping elect Trump — the latest sign that the left is confronting the president-elect differently this time around. It’s an open question whether other Democrats will follow suit, and either benefit or suffer consequences.

Some Democrats remain deeply skeptical of Musk, who is one of several billionaires and tech leaders Trump has tapped to staff his administration. They see Musk as an oligarch, and are concerned about his plans to slash the federal government with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy as incoming co-leaders of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency.

“I reserve the right to be surprised, but this looks to me like a coming kleptocracy, in which all these billionaires are running the government in order to rig the rules,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). “So I’m pretty fucking skeptical that this is a legitimate effort.”

Rep. Ro Khanna said he has “exchanged texts” with Musk since President-elect Donald Trump tapped him to head DOGE.

Khanna, a House Democrat who represents Silicon Valley and a potential future presidential candidate, has known Musk for more than 10 years. In an interview, he called Musk an “an extraordinary entrepreneur” and said that he fits the mold of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “dollar-a-year men,” the corporate executives who were paid a symbolic salary of $1 annually to help the federal government mobilize for WWII.

Khanna said he has “exchanged texts” with Musk since Trump tapped him to head DOGE. He declined to “go into private exchanges” but said they have discussed “the places where we can collaborate.”

“We have a candid conversation. He also knows where I disagree with him,” he said. “We need to engage these technologists and builders to be part of our coalition, but without compromising our values.”

In a post on X this month, Musk said that Khanna is a “sensible moderate” after the lawmaker said on TV that he disagreed with California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed electric vehicle subsidy, which would likely exclude his company Tesla. Musk did not respond to a request for comment.

Shapiro, the Pennsylvania governor who is widely seen as a top 2028 presidential candidate, took a short call from Musk in October when the entrepreneur was sitting in businessman Thomas Tull’s box at a Steelers game. Tull and Musk were reportedly talking about investments in Pennsylvania when Tull decided to call Shapiro and put him on the phone with Musk.

Shapiro told NBC that their conversation “was 100% on economic development.”

“I’m always fighting hard to make sure that folks invest in Pennsylvania,” he said. “We did not discuss politics. We obviously have completely different views on politics, different choices and candidates.”

A Shapiro spokesperson declined to provide more information on the call.

Fetterman, who is also rumored to be eyeing a bid for the White House, said that he has not talked with Musk. But he said he is open to working with him to “cut waste” and argued that “it’s undeniable that he is an innovator, and our American economy is better because of him.” He cautioned Democrats to not dismiss him.

“He’s had an undeniable impact on the Pennsylvania election, and I think the election overall,” Sen. John Fetterman said about Musk.

“If our government is issuing checks for billions for his companies to rescue our astronauts, or he’s involved in things like AI and really important things, it’s like he is going to be part of this conversation,” said Fetterman. “And that’s a fact. And you want it to be as productive as possible.”

Even some progressive lawmakers have signaled that they are open to working with Musk, encouraging him to look at the Pentagon for cuts. But their efforts are likely different from some of their moderate colleagues and instead aimed at garnering attention for their longtime goals — slashing the defense budget is one of them — while also holding Trump accountable for his populist campaign promises.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) told POLITICO that “If Elon Musk wants to change government contracting to cut billions of dollars of waste out of the Pentagon budget, count me in.” Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) said that “I’m all in for cutting waste, making our government efficient and delivering for the people of Georgia” and “I’ll work with whomever I have to work with, if I can, to get that done.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) likewise posted on X, “Elon Musk is right. The Pentagon, with a budget of $886 billion, just failed its 7th audit in a row. It’s lost track of billions.”

In some ways, Democrats are returning to form with Musk. Before becoming Trump’s top ally, Musk previously called himself a Democrat and voted for Biden in 2020. As president, Barack Obama met with Musk in the Oval Office and toured SpaceX with him.

By contrast, Musk has complained that Biden’s administration ignored Tesla, including by excluding it from the White House’s electric vehicle event. Biden and Musk have also taken opposing views on labor organizing, with the president supporting the United Auto Workers and the Tesla CEO criticizing the union’s efforts at his company. Musk made a rare visit to Biden’s White House last year, but the meeting was not with the president himself.

During her presidential campaign, Harris likewise held Musk at arm’s length, refusing a proposed interview with him. While touring Pennsylvania in support of Trump, Musk said after the assassination attempts against the former president that “nobody even bothers to try to kill Kamala,” adding, “It’s pointless. Why? They’ll just get another puppet.”

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the outgoing chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said that she is taking a wait-and-see approach to Musk and DOGE.

“I never say never to working with somebody, but I got to see what it is, because there’s a lot of controversies and hypocrisies that are out there,” said Jayapal. “I’m gonna put together my own list of where I think we should be cutting. And I have a feeling it’s not gonna be the same as their list. But I’m gonna try.”

Topics

Janet Yellen on Biden's Economic Legacy---and How Her Thinking About Trade Has Shifted

The outgoing Treasury secretary also weighed in on Trump’s proposed tariffs and her concerns about the deficit
The Wall Street Journal - 1d
Was mocking Musk a mistake? Democrats think about warmer relationship with the billionaire

Democrats had soured on the richest man on the planet. But a few are starting to wonder if that was a mistake.
Politico - 2d
Hurts, Brown clear air, say relationship is 'good'

Eagles stars Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown indicated their relationship isn't fractured, as teammate Brandon Graham suggested earlier this week, with Brown saying, "Me and Jalen are good."
ESPN - 2d
Rep. Glenn Ivey says replacing Wray is a 'mistake'

Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) said on Wednesday he thinks it’s a mistake for President-elect Trump to replace Christopher Wray as director of the FBI. Ivey added, however, he understands why Wray felt ...
The Hill - 2d
Worried about what to buy the man in your life for Christmas? The perfect gift may be more modest than you think | Joel Snape

If you really care, get us an upgrade of a bargain-basement product you’ve spotted us using. Our gratitude will be eternal. When I was a small boy, socks were the inverse of a Platonically ideal ...
The Guardian - 2d
Biden calls Trump tariff approach 'a major mistake'

The president delivered remarks drawing a sharp contrast between his four years in office and President-elect Donald Trump’s past and future terms.
ABC News - 3d
Tesla Owners Use Bumper Stickers to Express Feelings About Elon Musk

As Elon Musk has become a key player in President-elect Donald J. Trump’s world, Tesla owners are marking their cars to signify where they stand — for or against.
The New York Times - 3d
BlackRock’s billionaire bonanza

The asset manager’s acquisition tear makes the leadership succession process more complex
Financial Times - 3d
Trump's administration set to have unprecedented number of billionaires

Once President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, an unprecedented number of billionaires will make up his incoming administration. Axios national politics reporter Sophia Cai joins "The ...
CBS News - 3d
Trump Mocks Trudeau and Canada in Post on Tariffs and Trade

The president-elect’s mockery of Canada and its leader is the latest salvo after his promise to impose steep tariffs on Canadian exports.
The New York Times - 3d
Warren, Democrats demand answers from Dr. Oz about Medicare privatization

Leading Democratic lawmakers are demanding answers from Dr. Mehmet Oz on his previous support for eliminating traditional Medicare in favor of private Medicare Advantage plans. Led by Sen. ...
The Hill - 3d
Eagles' Brandon Graham apologizes after commenting on Jalen Hurts-A.J. Brown relationship: 'We all make mistakes'

Graham is sorry, but he is confident the Eagles will get through this kerfuffle and emerge stronger on the other side.
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Trump has said a lot about Social Security — what does he really think?

Trump has promised to protect Social Security and Medicare, but lots of his fellow Republicans appear to have other ideas.
MarketWatch - 4d
Brandon Graham apologizes for comments about Hurts-Brown relationship

Brandon Graham on Tuesday morning apologized for comments he made about Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Trump mocks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the 'governor' of the 'Great State of Canada'

President-elect Donald Trump mocked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the "governor" of the "Great State of Canada" after recently joking about the country becoming the 51st state.
NBC News - 4d
Hegseth back on Capitol Hill, Gabbard questioned about relationship with Syria

President-elect Donald Trump's choice for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, is back on Capitol Hill Tuesday to try to shore up support for his confirmation amid allegations of misconduct from his ...
CBS News - 4d
Democrats think in election cycles — Republicans think in decades

Democrats would be wise to emulate the Republicans who, when facing defeat, have thought in terms of decades, not two-year cycles.
The Hill - 4d
What Republicans and Democrats Get Wrong About Crime

An evidence-based approach to criminal justice would tell us that policing works and long prison sentences do not.
The New York Times - 6d
TV drama's Norfolk 'Alps' mocked on social media

Viewers do a double take as the famously flat county sprouts a mountain range in a Netflix series.
BBC News - Dec. 7
Elon Musk and the Tech Billionaires Steering Trump’s Transition Team

The involvement of wealthy investors has made this presidential transition one of the most potentially conflict-ridden in modern history.
The New York Times - Dec. 7
Trump's billionaire Cabinet

Welcome to The Hill's Business & Economy newsletter {beacon} Business & Economy Business & Economy The Big Story The billionaires stocking Trump’s next administration President-elect Trump made ...
The Hill - Dec. 6
Here are the billionaires stocking Trump’s next administration

President-elect Trump has named several billionaires to top roles in his next administration — a combination worth over $360 billion and that includes the world’s richest person. Elon Musk, the ...
The Hill - Dec. 6
Democrat Frost slams DOGE: Billionaires 'cosplaying as government officials'

Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) criticized President-elect Trump’s choices to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), saying it’s "two billionaires who are cosplaying as government ...
The Hill - Dec. 6
SpaceX faces opposition to Starlink expansion from Ukrainian group concerned about Musk ties to Russia

A Ukrainian-American group filed a petition with the FCC to try and keep Starlink from putting almost 22,500 satellites into orbit until further review.
CNBC - Dec. 6
Is the Urban Shift Toward Trump Really About Democratic Cities in Disarray?

Big cities have faced serious problems lately. But there’s little evidence those problems are what drove voters to the right in November.
The New York Times - Dec. 6
Where House progressives' new leader thinks Democrats went wrong: From the Politics Desk

In an interview, Texas Rep. Greg Casar, the new chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, details where Democrats went wrong in the 2024 election.
NBC News - Dec. 5
What we know about Musk's cost-cutting mission

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are on Capitol Hill to discuss their new advisory body. So what will it do?
BBC News - Dec. 5
Sanders: Musk a ‘smart guy’; RFK Jr. ‘right’ about ‘unhealthy society’

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) called tech billionaire Elon Musk a “smart guy” and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “right” about America’s “unhealthy society,” as they prepare to take leadership positions in ...
The Hill - Dec. 5
3 mistakes to avoid if your CD matures in 2024

With just weeks left in 2024, savers who have a CD set to mature this year should avoid making these big mistakes.
CBS News - Dec. 4
OpenAI CEO 'not that worried' about Elon Musk's influence in Trump administration

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is locked in a legal dispute with rival Elon Musk
ABC News - Dec. 4
Trump picks billionaire Jared Isaacman to lead NASA

Donald Trump has picked billionaire Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. Isaacman has flown to space twice on commercial SpaceX missions but has not worked in government.
NBC News - Dec. 4
Jon Stewart mocks 'the dance Democrats have to do' after Hunter Biden pardon

Jon Stewart said he respects President Biden for pardoning his son but mocked Democrats who framed his prior stance as their 'Mason-Dixon Line of morality.'
Los Angeles Times - Dec. 3
Rahm Emanuel: Democrats should 'welcome' Musk's DOGE commission

Rahm Emanuel, who currently serves as U.S. ambassador to Japan, advised that Democrats should "welcome" President-elect Trump's newly created "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE). "I would ...
The Hill - Dec. 3
Trump picks billionaire investor as Pentagon deputy

Politico - Dec. 3
Jon Stewart mocks Dems, Fox News on Hunter Biden pardon

Comedian Jon Stewart mocked both sides of the aisle after President Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday, arguing Democrats can never ace the political "purity test" they give themselves ...
The Hill - Dec. 3
Biden delivers remarks on the relationship between Angola and the U.S.

Watch live coverage as President Biden delivers remarks to honor the past and future of the relationship between the United States and Angola during his trip to Africa.
NBC News - Dec. 3
The Classical Music Our Critics Can’t Stop Thinking About

Watch and listen to five recent highlights, including performances by Davóne Tines and Lise Davidsen, and a new album by Ethan Iverson.
The New York Times - Dec. 3
Scottie Pippen Mocked for Post About Elon Musk on the Bulls

Scottie Pippen, a basketball star turned crypto fanatic, posted about how many championships Chicago would have won with Mr. Musk. The answers weren’t kind.
The New York Times - Dec. 2
6 HELOC borrowing mistakes to avoid this December

Borrowing against your home equity is a smart option right now, but there are some big mistakes to avoid if you do.
CBS News - Dec. 2