Congresswoman Matsui issues video statement on Trump, Musk's Social Security attacks
Many Democratic officials have been criticized for not taking more aggressive stances against Trump and Musk's policies.
Since January 20, most Democratic members of Congress and the U.S. Senate have struggled with addressing constituents and their political base with the advent of sweeping and controversial changes by President Donald Trump and his leading advisor, Elon Musk.
Aside from a few elected officials, most notably U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I - Vermont) and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D - New York), many Democratic officials have been criticized for not taking more aggressive stances against Trump and Musk's policies. While citizen groups have organized effective, peaceful protests against Tesla and Musk, most Democratic officials have been flat-footed in their response.
This inaction was exemplified by Senator Chuck Schumer (D - New York) caving in to Trump's budget deal demands. Schumer and Democratic leadership were pilloried for what many in the base considered as acquiescing to Trump.
In the last few days, Democratic elected officials may have finally gotten the memo about the dissatisfaction among many in their base with their silence in opposing Trump policies. It could be that it was Senator Corey Booker's record-setting Senate speech against the Trump administration's policies, or it was yesterday's historic and troubling (to many, including the editorial board of the Wall Street Journal) tariff actions.
Whatever the cause, today, Democratic Congresswoman Doris Matsui, who represents Elk Grove and Sacramento in Washington, DC, released a video. The two-minute video, Congresswoman Matsui Is Fighting Back For Your Social Security (see below), addresses a concern with a key constituency -senior voters.
While videos like this may temporarily ease the pressure being felt by Matsui and fellow Democratic Sacramento area Congressman Ami Bera for what many are saying is their less-than-vigorously denouncing Trump policies, they are not out of the woods.
Social media has been filled with grumbling from the Democratic base, saying that more vocal anti-Trump Democrats should challenge Matsui and Bera during the June 2026 primary. What would stop Mr. Sanders or Ms. Ocasio-Cortez from recruiting primary challengers against Matsui, or especially Bera, who joined Republicans in censuring Congressman Al Green ( D - Texas), who heckled Trump during his address to a joint session of Congress?
While Matsui and Bera are not out of hot water with their Democratic base, it is a start.
