Sen. Tina Smith Defends Vulgar Criticism of Elon Musk in CNN Interview

The Minnesota senator stood by her controversial language, citing voter frustration with 'billionaire bosses' and a desire for urgency in political discourse.

Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) faced questions from CNN's Brianna Keilar over her social media post calling Elon Musk a 'billionaire asshole boss.'
Smith's comments were a response to Musk's directive for federal employees to report on their weekly accomplishments, a move she criticized as disrespectful and authoritarian.
During the interview, Smith defended her language, arguing it resonated with voters who want politicians to show more fight and urgency.
Keilar suggested alternative ways to express outrage without resorting to vulgarity, but Smith maintained her choice of words was authentic and effective.
Musk's role in the Department of Government Efficiency has drawn significant criticism from Democrats and unions, while former President Trump has publicly supported Musk's efforts.