Two Democratic representatives, Jared Moskowitz of Florida and Greg Landsman of Ohio, have recently joined the Doge caucus. This commission, which is planned for Donald Trump’s next administration, has focused on government efficiency.
The Doge Commission, named after a cryptocurrency meme, will be led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Both individuals lack prior experience in federal government operations. Ramaswamy has already declared that several federal agencies will be eliminated.
However, the commission has no legal authority, funding, or real power. It may rely on congressional allies to advance its proposals. Moskowitz and Landsman are joined by Republicans such as Pete Sessions of Texas, Aaron Bean of Florida, and Joni Ernst of Iowa.
Why Democrats Are Joining the Doge Initiative
Moskowitz defended his involvement, stating that Americans want efficient government services while minimizing taxes. He suggested that bipartisan collaboration could be pursued if beneficial ideas are identified.
Despite this, critics have pointed out that Doge’s lack of official status limits its impact. They have also raised concerns that the commission could become a platform for extreme rhetoric and policies tied to Trump’s authoritarian agenda.
Doge’s Role in Federal Spending Discussions
If the commission targets federal spending reductions, agreement between Democrats and Republicans may remain limited. Defence spending cuts appear to be one of the few potential areas for bipartisan collaboration.
Senator Bernie Sanders has supported Elon Musk’s proposal to cut defence budgets, citing inefficiencies. In November, the Pentagon failed its seventh consecutive audit, struggling to account for an $824 billion budget.
Representative Ro Khanna of California has also shown interest in collaborating on reducing defense expenditures. However, further proposals, such as cuts to Social Security, could face widespread opposition.
Challenges in Addressing Social Security
Social Security remains a contentious topic. According to a March 2023 poll by The Associated Press and NORC, most Americans (79%) oppose cuts to its benefits. Musk, however, has amplified arguments against the program, calling it a “Ponzi scheme.”
During a Trump rally in October, Musk proposed slashing $2 trillion from the federal budget. Since Social Security accounts for a significant share of federal spending, it has been seen as a likely target. Such actions could alienate voters across party lines.
Bipartisanship or Political Calculations?
For Democrats like Moskowitz and Landsman, working with the Doge caucus could be an attempt to showcase bipartisanship. Another possibility is that these representatives are preparing for challenging reelection campaigns in 2026.
Both lawmakers narrowly secured their positions in the last election, winning with less than 55% of the vote. Aligning with Doge might appear strategic but could prove risky if the commission becomes unpopular among voters.
A Risky Gamble for Democrats
The involvement of Democrats in the Doge caucus raises questions about its effectiveness and political appeal. Without legal power or public support, the commission may struggle to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Whether viewed as a genuine effort for bipartisanship or a calculated political move, collaboration with Doge has been criticized as short-sighted. The long-term consequences for Democrats supporting this far-right initiative remain uncertain.
