Politics
‘This is Our Shot’: Democrats See MTG’s ‘Destructive’ New Role as Opportunity to Weaken Republicans
By Jake Beardslee · April 30, 2025
Democrats Eye Political Leverage in Greene’s New Role
WASHINGTON — Some Democrats are viewing Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s leadership of the House DOGE subcommittee as both a challenge and an unexpected opportunity to redefine their party’s message. Jack Gruber/USA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK
Oversight Panel Becomes a Stage for Ideological Battle
The “Delivering on Government Efficiency” oversight subcommittee, often seen by progressives as a vehicle for Elon Musk’s deregulatory agenda under Donald Trump’s revived presidency, has become a flashpoint — and a stage. The White House / Wikimedia
Greene Draws AOC Comparisons—With a Polarizing Twist
Greene’s rise as a firebrand of the far right has drawn comparisons to progressive icon Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, with both women becoming cultural lightning rods for their respective parties, though critics argue that Greene’s inflammatory rhetoric and embrace of conspiracy theories set her apart as a more polarizing and destabilizing force within her party. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Musk-Greene Alliance Fuels Democratic Backlash
But Greene’s close association with Musk, a major Trump donor whose unofficial “Department of Government Efficiency” has gutted federal agencies and budgets, has made her a symbol of what some Democrats see as unchecked billionaire power. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Casar: This Is Our Moment to Reclaim the Party
“This is our shot to not just win the midterms, but to transform our party into one that can win big in the presidential election and get back to our roots,” said Rep. Gregorio Casar (D-TX), a member of the DOGE subcommittee, in a statement to Raw Story. U.S. House of Representatives / Wikimedia
Democrats Stay in the Fight Despite Concerns
Though initially wary of legitimizing Greene by participating, Democrats chose to stay, hoping to publicly challenge what they describe as a parade of misinformation and extremism. “She just sits there and spouts, like, lies and conspiracy theories at all these hearings,” Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) told Raw Story, calling Greene “a very destructive person.” U.S. House of Representatives / Wikimedia
Hearings Become Stage for Democratic Pushback and Messaging Strategy
The hearings, marked by outbursts and spectacle, have become a testing ground for Democrats to fight back — not just with policy critiques, but with sharpened rhetoric and digital fluency. Democratic Party (United States) / Wikimedia
Casar Calls for Focus on Corporate Accountability
Casar argues that the subcommittee offers a moment for reframing: “If we want efficiency, we should go after Big Tech and Big Pharma and the big corporations that are milking taxpayers, but Marjorie Taylor Greene is wanting to go after your healthcare and your kids’ educational programming.” Larry D. Moore / Wikimedia
Democrats Score Legal Wins Against DOGE Policies
Democrats have had some legal victories. Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) noted to Raw Story that state attorneys general and federal courts have overturned roughly 80% of DOGE-related policy rollbacks. US House of Representatives / Wikimedia
Lynch: “We’ve Been More Occupied With Dealing With Elon Musk”
Still, Lynch warned, “We’ve been more occupied with dealing with Elon Musk than we have with anything that the gentlelady from Georgia has put forward. They’re talking to each other, that’s for sure.” Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Dems Hope Pushback Resonates Beyond Capitol Hill
Despite the dysfunction, Democrats are betting that their participation in the DOGE hearings will resonate outside the Beltway — especially among voters frustrated with growing inequality. Alejandro Barba / Unsplash
Grassroots Momentum Shows in Arizona Rally
Casar points to a rally in Arizona with Bernie Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez that drew an unexpected 23,000 people. “That’s what’s going on out there,” he said. Jim Heaphy / Cullen328 / Wikimedia