California Rep. Robert Garcia is standing firm after being hit with a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation following his sharp criticism of Elon Musk. The Democratic congressman, who called Musk a “d***” during an interview, is refusing to back down despite claims from the DOJ that his words amounted to a threat against the billionaire.
Garcia shared a letter from Ed Martin, the top federal prosecutor, who is demanding that the congressman clarify comments he made on CNN in February. During the interview, Garcia said Democrats need to bring “actual weapons” to a “bar fight” with Musk, describing it as a battle for democracy. The DOJ has flagged these remarks as potentially threatening to Musk, an influential supporter of former President Donald Trump.
In response, Garcia has defiantly rejected the notion that his words were anything but a metaphor. He accused the DOJ of attempting to silence him and other critics of the Trump administration, especially those speaking out against Musk’s business practices. “I will not be silenced,” Garcia said, emphasizing that members of Congress have a duty to speak out forcefully against corruption and power grabs.
The investigation stems from Garcia’s public disdain for Musk’s growing influence, especially his role in pushing for tax cuts that benefit the wealthiest Americans. Garcia’s criticism peaked during a “DOGE Demolition” hearing, where he displayed a large image of Musk, calling it a “d*** pic” in a playful jab. The DOJ’s letter referenced this moment, claiming Musk’s team took offense at the congressman’s language and his comments on the fight against Musk’s influence.
“They want to investigate me for using a metaphor?” Garcia fired back. “This is absurd. This is an attempt to intimidate anyone who dares to stand up to Elon Musk and the Trump administration.”
Garcia’s remarks, while strong, were meant to highlight the stakes in what he sees as a battle for the future of democracy. Fellow Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett defended Garcia, criticizing the DOJ’s response as “feckless and weak” and accusing Martin of trying to distract from more important issues like corruption and the self-serving policies of the Trump administration. “How can a man be so offended by a member of Congress speaking out for the rule of law?” Crockett wrote in a post on X.
In his letter, Martin reiterated the DOJ’s commitment to investigating threats against public officials, including those directed at Musk and his government staff. Martin is spearheading “Operation Whirlwind,” an initiative aimed at addressing threats to public officials and staff working in government roles. However, Garcia remains unshaken by the DOJ’s investigation, determined to continue calling out what he sees as the misuse of power.
“I’m not going to let them silence me or anyone else who stands up to this corrupt system,” Garcia said. “We have a duty to speak the truth and fight back.”
Garcia said the administration’s intimidation tactics won’t stop him from fighting for what he believes is right. “We know we’ve got to fight fire with fire, and I’m not going to let them silence me or other members of Congress who stand up to this corrupt system,” he said.
Watch Garcia’s MSNBC’s interview below:
We have a constitutional right to criticize the administration and the actions of Elon Musk. Trump’s Department of Justice should not work to silence Members of Congress. We will not back down. pic.twitter.com/e7pEjJzJeE
— Congressman Robert Garcia (@RepRobertGarcia) February 21, 2025
