Former Democratic advisor Dan Turrentine expressed concerns about his party's strategic misstep in opposing Elon Musk's cost-cutting initiatives at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Turrentine, co-host of "The Morning Meeting," criticized the Democrats' focus on "process" rather than acknowledging the wasteful spending Musk's team has uncovered. He argued this approach makes the party appear out of touch with common sense and contributes to voter skepticism. "The number one thing in politics is respecting people, listening to them, and solving their problems," Turrentine stated. "We're failing the common sense test by not acknowledging that some of what Musk's team is finding warrants attention and potential elimination." He added that the constant negativity from the Democratic party leads voters to dismiss their concerns as mere obstructionism.

A protester holds up a "NO MUSK" sign at the "No Kings on President's Day" protest in Washington, D.C. (Deirdre Heavey/Fox News Digital)

This intensified opposition to eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse comes as Musk targets questionable spending, ranging from office supplies to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Democratic attorneys general have launched legal challenges, and lawmakers have staged protests against the Trump-backed initiative. Ironically, even former aides to President Barack Obama have conceded on "Pod Save America" that the Trump administration's efforts at DOGE echo some initiatives they should have pursued. Jon Lovett, a former Obama speechwriter, expressed surprise at the extent of potential government efficiency, while Jon Favreau admitted the Obama administration faced similar challenges in streamlining bureaucracy.

Musk, in response to criticism portraying him as "President Elon Musk," told Fox News host Sean Hannity that the backlash suggests DOGE's effectiveness. He highlighted the resistance from an "unelected bureaucracy" opposed to the president's agenda.