Democratic lawmakers are launching a coordinated campaign to restrict Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), capitalizing on the Republican Party's narrow House majority. Their strategy centers on persuading a small number of GOP representatives to support legislation aimed at preventing Musk from accessing U.S. citizens' financial records held by the Department of Treasury.

Several Democrats, including Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV), have taken to social media platforms like X, formerly Twitter, urging three Republicans to cross party lines and vote for the Taxpayer Data Protection Act. This bill aims to block Musk's access to sensitive information. This tactic suggests Democrats might utilize a discharge petition, a procedural maneuver requiring signatures from a majority of House members, to force a vote on the legislation, bypassing potential Republican leadership opposition.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the power of just three Republican votes to influence legislative outcomes. He criticized Republican representatives for their perceived reluctance to challenge Musk and former President Trump, suggesting they prioritize these figures over their constituents' interests. While Jeffries highlighted the Republicans' vulnerability, he hasn't explicitly endorsed specific legislation or a discharge petition.

Other Democrats, including Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), have also publicly pressed Republicans to support the bill protecting taxpayer data. They argue that granting an unelected businessman like Musk access to sensitive financial information poses a significant risk. This focus on the GOP's slim majority, particularly the three Republicans representing districts won by Kamala Harris in the previous election, is likely to persist throughout the congressional session. These representatives, including Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Don Bacon (R-NE), are expected to face significant pressure from Democrats.

Despite Democratic concerns about Musk's lack of government experience and potential conflicts of interest, most House Republicans support his DOGE initiative. They justify this support by citing the substantial national debt and the need for unconventional solutions. This partisan divide over Musk's involvement in government efficiency efforts underscores the ongoing political tensions surrounding fiscal policy and the role of private individuals in public service.