WASHINGTON, D.C. — Drum circles, weird chants, off-key serenading, and jumping up and down isn’t working for low polling Democrats in America. Now, they are rallying behind their latest attack, but is it working?
The crude insult is emerging as a Democratic rallying cry against Elon Musk. Lawmakers and party officials are increasingly branding the billionaire as a “dick” amid mounting frustration over his influence in Donald Trump’s administration and his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The phrase gained national attention on February 12 when Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) held up a photo of Musk during a House Oversight Committee hearing, calling it his “dick pic.” Garcia used the moment to criticize Musk’s agenda, which includes targeting federal agencies such as the Department of Education and Medicare.
Later that day on CNN, Garcia defended his choice of words, saying, “Well, he is a dick.” The remark quickly spread online, drawing praise from progressives.
By the end of the week, it was the newest talking point in the far left’s messaging.
Other Democrats have echoed the sentiment.
epresentative Greg Casar (D-Texas) called Musk “the most dangerous man” in government while speaking at a February protest against DOGE policies. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) referred to Musk as a “serial constitutional violator” on the House floor the following day.
Senators have also joined the attacks. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) accused Musk of using his influence over American foreign policy “for personal gain.” Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) described Musk as an “unelected, unaccountable billionaire.” Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has avoided the explicit insult but has consistently criticized Musk’s financial and political reach, warning that DOGE could cause economic instability.
Beyond Congress, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin sarcastically referred to Musk as “our worst president ever” in a February 4 interview. Activist groups, including MoveOn and Indivisible, have organized rallies opposing Musk’s policies, with protesters urging lawmakers to adopt sharper rhetoric.
The backlash stems from Musk’s rapid implementation of DOGE policies since Trump’s January 20 executive order, which has included canceling $1 billion in diversity contracts and attempting to shutter USAID.
Musk’s supporters argue that he is delivering on Trump’s promise to cut government spending. Vice President JD Vance defended Musk’s role, saying he was acting on a voter mandate. Some Democrats, such as Representative Jared Golden (D-Maine), have cautioned that the attacks risk alienating moderates, calling Musk a “weirdo billionaire” instead.