A Democratic lawmaker’s brutal takedown of what she characterized as the unscrupulous actions Elon Musk is engaging in as head of the Department of Government Efficiency sparked a tense clash Thursday night when Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) tried to squeeze in his own retort.
The fiery exchange unfolded during a CNN town hall just after Lawler delivered a fierce defense of the tech billionaire, whom he credited with conducting a “turbocharged forensic audit through every department and agency.”
But the MAGA lawmaker’s glowing comments about Musk were quickly subjected to a stinging reality check by Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT), who said the American public is “right to be concerned about Elon Musk because he's an unelected billionaire who has a tremendous amount of influence.”
“This is not normal,” she said. “All of this waste, fraud and abuse – we don't want that either, but what we're talking about is burning down the house…”
That’s when Lawler attempted to jump in while Hayes was mid-sentence but was quickly slapped down.
“I’m still talking, please!” she said, turning to face Lawler, who continued on with his comment: “Is there one thing you agree with?”
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Lawler pursued his line of questions while seated behind Hayes and shaking his head as she continued to address the attendees at the CNN event.
“Mr. Lawler, can you please let me finish my conversation?” Hayes insisted. But when Lawler pressed on with his question to the Connecticut Democrat, she paused to address her Republican colleague head-on.
“What is your question?” she said as she turned to face Lawler.
“Can you identify one thing of waste that they have found that you actually agree with that should be eliminated?
Hayes concluded that fraud inside the unemployment system was unacceptable, but added: “And we have processes and policies to do that, but for one person to make those decisions, everyone should have a level of concern by that.”
But the two weren’t done sparring just yet.
Hayes then continually taunted Lawler after he said “career employees” inside DOGE were analyzing the data, which prompted Hayes to demand to know, "Who are they?" over and over again.
"I know you think this is like some big stunt, but the fact..." Lawler said.
"Who are they?" Hayes repeated.
