Former Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) criticized the Democratic Party for heavily focusing on the Department of Government Efficiency and its head, Elon Musk, following the 2024 election, suggesting this strategy is “not playing well” for his party.

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) was one of several Democratic lawmakers who spoke out against Musk and DOGE on Wednesday, saying that lawmakers “should in no way be cooperating with House Republicans” with some of their efforts. Phillips, who described himself as “a long-suffering Democrat,” said he was “really embarrassed” for the Democratic lawmakers in Wednesday’s hearing, specifically how the party is seeking to work against the desire of voters.