On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, CNN’s NewsNight panel reacted with amusement and frustration over an anti-Elon Musk protest led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats in Washington, D.C. The rally, dubbed “Nobody Elected Elon,” aimed to challenge Musk’s growing influence in the federal government but was criticized for lacking a clear strategy and impact.
After airing rally clips of Schumer chanting, “We will win!” and “We won’t rest!” while holding hands with Rep. Maxine Waters, CNN panelists chuckled. Host Abby Phillip turned to Gretchen Carlson, who remarked, “The Democrats need a real leader… They have been completely flat-footed” in handling Trump and Musk.
The panel didn’t consider Schumer’s chant to be the best course of action. He was mocked online as well for chanting about “winning” just months after the Democrats miserably lost the presidential election and control of both Congressional houses.
Democratic commentator Bakari Sellers shared his frustration, saying, “I don’t want to hear Schumer saying, ‘We won’t lose.’” He argued a small business owner would better represent the real impact.
Conservative commentator Scott Jennings mocked the event, saying, “The American left is so far off the rails… they’ll need Google Maps to find their way back.” He called the situation “glorious.”
Late-night hosts also joined in, with Jimmy Kimmel reacting to Schumer’s chant by saying, “We’re so f—–… We’re doomed. All these old men.” Jon Stewart criticized Schumer’s response to Trump’s proposed tariffs, playing a clip of him holding a can of Corona and an avocado. “Your response to the trade war is to f—— tell us guacamole is made of avocados?” Stewart quipped.
Senator Schumer has faced growing scrutiny from his party, with former Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan calling the rally “depressing.” Ryan questioned the effectiveness of the protest, posting on X, “Is it Saturday Night Live or real life? This is the only alternative to Trump’s America? It’s just so depressing.”
Other Democrats have voiced frustration over the party’s failure to take decisive action against Musk and Trump’s administration. Many online critics called Schumer’s leadership “embarrassing” and suggested he step aside for younger leadership.
Internally, Senate Democrats are under increasing pressure to take more decisive action against Trump’s administration. The Republican-controlled Senate has confirmed nearly a dozen Cabinet nominees at a rapid pace, prompting concerns that Democratic leadership is failing to effectively oppose the administration’s moves, including Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency,” known as DOGE.
House Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have urged more aggressive resistance. “This is not business as usual, and Senate Democrats should not be treating this as business as usual,” Ocasio-Cortez said. She called for a halt on all Trump nominees, while Sen. Chris Murphy acknowledged Democratic inaction, saying, “Yes, there are people who are angry at Democrats. … But what I see now is the action is all focused, in the end, in one direction … stopping the destruction of our democracy.”
Schumer has attempted to rally opposition, including an all-night Senate talkathon planned to protest the confirmation of Russ Vought as budget director. Additionally, some Democrats have begun blocking Trump’s Cabinet nominees. However, others, such as Sens. John Fetterman and Peter Welch, have favored certain appointments, further fueling frustration within the party.
The divide among Democrats reflects a broader debate on how to counter Trump and Musk’s growing influence. Some, like Sen. Tim Kaine, advocate for a multi-pronged approach involving legal challenges and state-level action, while others demand immediate and forceful obstruction in the Senate.
As pressure mounts, Schumer and Democratic leadership must navigate internal divisions and external criticism while formulating an effective strategy to counter the administration’s policies. Many within the party remain unconvinced that current efforts are sufficient, with Rep. Sean Casten bluntly stating, “We’re in a different ball game right now. Y’all gotta stop playing checkers.”