| | | |  | | By Emily Ngo, Nick Reisman and Jeff Coltin | | Presented by |  | | | With help from Cris Seda Chabrier
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Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries are challenging Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. | Francis Chung/POLITICO | Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries are showing their teeth. Finally. The New York Democrats are wielding their limited clout against Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, called to action as the world’s wealthiest man makes unprecedented incursions into the inner workings of Washington. Musk is doing so with President Donald Trump’s blessing. The Senate and House minority leaders announced joint legislation Tuesday to prevent “unlawful meddling” in the Department of Treasury’s payment systems. And they presented a united front against DOGE after separately saying they won’t go after every Trump maneuver. Schumer noted that Musk defended DOGE’s work as an effort to restore democracy. “Nothing screams ‘democracy’ like having a secret squad of company men pull off a hostile takeover of America’s Social Security and tax information in the dead of night,” the veteran lawmaker said on the Senate floor. In remarks to reporters, he later added: “That is not democracy, Mr. Musk.” Congressional Democrats are recalibrating their approach in real time as Trump 2.0 floods the zone with sweeping directives. After weeks of muted resistance and amid messaging struggles, they’re now responding with fire to GOP initiatives they say would hit Americans in the pocketbooks. Schumer and Jeffries’ bill is cheekily named “Stop the Steal,” an effort to repurpose the cry animating MAGA supporters who believed the 2020 election was stolen. The legislation is little more than a gesture since it needs GOP backing to advance. But it’s meant to deny “special government employees” and people with conflicts of interest access to Treasury and other sensitive records. Musk, a special government employee, and his businesses could benefit from loosened regulations and oversight. “If there’s conflict, then we won’t let him get near it,” Trump said Monday in the Oval Office, referring to Musk. The South Africa native, whose multibillion-dollar empire includes Tesla and SpaceX, responded Tuesday on the social media platform X, which he also owns. “He’s mad that @DOGE is dismantling the radical-left shadow government in full view of the public,” Musk wrote of Schumer’s floor remarks. “Obviously, @DOGE is trying to STOP your tax dollars from being stolen for WASTE and FRAUD,” he wrote of Jeffries’ comments. Facing off against Musk and DOGE via legislation is a heavy lift with Democrats relatively powerless after Republicans clinched the trifecta in Washington. But Jeffries has repeatedly pointed to the slim House margin. “All we need is three — three principled Republicans in the House — and a lot of the madness and extremism that has been unleashed on the American people can be halted,” the House leader said, adding that the Democrats have leverage because the GOP will need their votes as the March 14 government funding deadline approaches. In the Senate, Schumer acknowledged that Trump’s Cabinet appointments can be confirmed without Democratic support, but noted that Republicans need Democrats to pass budget resolutions. He took credit for the president’s pausing of a federal funding freeze and tariffs on Canada and Mexico, saying Democrats brought the measures to light, and the public responded with outcry. “We’ve had some success there already,” Schumer said. — Emily Ngo IT’S WEDNESDAY: Got news? Send it our way: Jeff Coltin, Emily Ngo and Nick Reisman.
| | A message from PhRMA: Medicine markups are big business for hospitals, but New Yorkers are paying the price. Big, tax-exempt hospitals abuse a federal program called 340B to charge huge markups on discounted medicines to boost their profits. They're supposed to use these profits to help patients, but there's no accountability to ensure they do. If patients aren't benefiting, where's the money going? | | | WHERE’S KATHY? In New York City WHERE’S ERIC? Also in New York City, calling into 94.7 The Block’s “Jonesy In The Morning” and later holding a media availability event QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Anyone who wants to consolidate power in the hands of one individual, anyone who wants to eliminate a number of federal agencies which serve the general public — possess characteristics that can best be described as fascist.” — Attorney General Letitia James on Trump, via POLITICO’s story on her stepping into the “resistance” spotlight.
|  | ABOVE THE FOLD | | | 
GOP Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman could be eyeing a run for governor of New York in 2026. | Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images | BLAKEMAN RAISES PROFILE: GOP Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is expanding his statewide profile with a trip to upstate Binghamton later this month. Blakeman is set to appear at the Broome County Republicans’ Lincoln Day Dinner on Feb. 27, according to an invitation. The appearance is the latest indication Blakeman — a staunch and unapologetic Trump supporter — is weighing a bid for governor in 2026. He must still run for a second term as county executive this year, but in a recent interview with Playbook, he did not rule out a gubernatorial campaign. “I would be happy with any Republican who is running for governor,” Blakeman said. "I’m running for county executive now, and I’m not going to look down the road. We’ll see down the road.” Blakeman pitched the state Conservative Party at the organization’s annual two-day conference on winning New York’s suburbs as crucial to breaking Democrats’ lock on statewide elected offices. He ran through his list of accomplishments during his term — from holding the line on taxes to cooperating with federal immigration enforcement and blocking trans people from participating in women’s sports. “This is a message that can resonate anywhere — not just in our suburbs,” Blakeman told the gathering. The Long-Islander separately boosted his standing with Trump Republicans on Tuesday when he announced Nassau County detectives will be deputized to help federal immigration agents detain and deport migrants accused of crimes. County police would be embedded with ICE teams. The arrangement in one of the country’s largest suburbs could inspire similar partnerships in other counties, the New York Times noted. Blakeman’s announcement drew immediate condemnation from the New York Civil Liberties Union, whose regional director said, “Local law enforcement have no place doing ICE’s bidding and enforcing laws outside their expertise.” It also comes as Nassau County Democrats are suing Blakeman over his earlier directive to arm citizens for deployment during emergencies — a move critics say is akin to a militia. But opposition from Democrats and civil rights groups is a political benefit to Blakeman, who’s in regular touch with the president. If he runs for governor, he would likely take up a hard-right mantle. A higher-profile Republican weighing a bid, Rep. Mike Lawler of the Hudson Valley, has staked out a more moderate lane. — Nick Reisman and Emily Ngo
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Mayor Eric Adams did not defend congestion pricing on Tin Cup Day in Albany. | Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office | NOT MY PROBLEM: When it comes to congestion pricing, Mayor Eric Adams is driving away. “The birth didn’t come from City Hall. That’s your baby,” Adams said to state legislators while testifying in Albany on Tin Cup Day. He was responding to Assemblymember Ari Brown, a Republican representing parts of Nassau County, asking him to make his voice “louder” and “stronger” in opposing congestion pricing. Adams has been pretty quiet on the controversial tolling program on his city streets, typically saying he defers to Hochul, his ally. He kept it up Tuesday, even as new polling suggested New Yorkers are warming to congestion pricing. “It’s still fresh. I think the jury is out,” Adams said when asked for his thoughts on congestion pricing by state Sen. Liz Krueger. Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi ”is doing an analysis” of the scheme, Adams said. Joshi is on the MTA board and a vocal supporter of congestion pricing. But other top Adams appointees have been openly critical. His longtime aide Denise Felipe-Adams slammed congestion pricing on X last month and called on Trump to audit the authority. Adams photographer Benny Polatseck suggested only white people supported congestion pricing, while mayoral adviser Diane Savino retweeted a post calling it a “dishonest regressive tax.” City Hall downplayed the messages. “People are entitled to personal opinions,” Adams press secretary Kayla Mamelak Altus told Playbook. “The mayor always says this administration is not a monolith.” — Jeff Coltin More from the city: — Adams begged state lawmakers to fork over another $1.1 billion to deal with the migrant crisis ASAP — even though the governor isn’t budging. (New York Post) — Cops are leaving the NYPD in droves and leaders are leaning hard on overtime to make up the shortfalls, costing the city more than $1 billion. (New York Times) — The Manhattan District Attorney’s investigation of Adams’ former top aide encompasses far more than the bribery and money laundering charges she’s facing. (THE CITY)
| | | | A message from PhRMA:  
| | | | | NEW FROM PLANET ALBANY | | | 
An overwhelming majority of New Yorkers agree grocery stores should sell wine. | MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images | FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Allowing supermarkets to sell wine has broad support from New York voters, a Siena College poll found. The survey, conducted for the New York State of Wine campaign and shared exclusively with Playbook, found that 78 percent of voters statewide support grocery stores being allowed to sell wine. The long-sought proposal has the backing of a wide array of voters, including 82 percent of Democrats, 70 percent of Republicans and 78 percent of independent voters. New York State of Wine is composed of grocery stores and private-sector organizations like the Business Council. Supermarkets have tried for years to persuade state lawmakers to allow them to sell wine, but bills have stalled amid opposition from liquor stores. Wine boosters believe Democrats can win back voters now by focusing on widely popular ideas like wine in grocery stores. “It’s hard to find anything that nearly 80 percent of New Yorkers agree on,” said Loren Amor, a spokesperson for the group. “Democrats are rightly focused on winning back the support of everyday New Yorkers. Leading on an issue like this, with broad support across the political spectrum, is a great place to start.” — Nick Reisman LIME IN THE COCONUT: The congestion pricing toll program has been good news for the e-scooter company Lime. Data provided to Playbook by the firm shows the number of rides in the Bronx during the first week the tolls went into effect reached 20,240 trips — an increase of around 34 percent compared to the same time period a year ago. The company concluded fewer outer-borough New Yorkers have decided to drive into the city and are using so-called “micro-mobility” options to complete the first and last mile portions of commutes. — Nick Reisman More from Albany: — Canadian Consul General Tom Clark warned Trump’s tariffs would hit New York's energy costs. (Gothamist) — New York farmers say they have been squeezed by progressives and Washington’s immigration policies. (POLITICO Pro) — Attorney General Letitia James won’t pursue criminal charges against state troopers who shot and killed a man on the Thruway. (LoHud)
| | KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION | | | 
An aide to Rep. Elise Stefanik will remain in the North Country. | Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images | ANOTHER FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: A key aide to Rep. Elise Stefanik will remain in the North Country to help Republicans keep her seat red — a sign her political apparatus will remain an influential force in the district. Alex deGrasse, who serves as Stefanik’s pugilistic senior adviser, is running the super PAC, Save American Freedom, which is already blasting the newly minted Democratic nominee, St. Lawrence County dairy farmer Blake Gendebien. Republicans will also tap into the House GOP Battleground Fund, the New York Republican Committee and Stefanik’s PAC. In a statement to Playbook, deGrasse called Gendebien “a radical leftist” and referenced audio obtained by Breitbart News that included him talking about the immigrant workforce on farms. Gendebien “bails out illegals from ICE and was caught on tape attacking North Country workers and children saying we have no work ethic or self-worth,” deGrasse said. “We can’t wait to crush this open borders, inflation causing, Biden supporting Far Left Democrat hand-picked by Kathy Hochul — just like every other defeated Democrat who has been walloped at the ballot box in the North Country,” he added. “As always, Elise ensured her political staff was prepared to ensure her seat remains a pro-Trump Republican.” Stefanik was nominated by Trump to become the United Nations ambassador after representing the largely rural district for a decade. Local Republicans are yet to announce their preferred candidate in the race. But Stefanik’s team is expected to remain engaged in the seat and continue to run an aggressive political operation. She has built an extensive donor network and digital infrastructure that will be leveraged for the race. “It's clear that GOP operatives are scrambling to react to the consolidation of support behind Dairy Farmer Blake Gendebien,” said Gendebien campaign manager Emily Goldson in response. “It seems odd that, for a district they claim will be solidly behind their candidate, they would gear up to spend this much money and resources to defend themselves.” — Nick Reisman More from Congress: — Jeffries breaks down his 10-point plan for facing off against Republicans. (WNYC) — Political comedian Jon Stewart urged Democrats to stop “trotting“ out Schumer as a messenger, saying the Senate minority leader isn’t effective. (The Hill) — GOP Reps. Nick Langworthy and Claudia Tenney want the Department of Defense to open the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station to help with deportation operations. (WKBW)
| | | | A new era in Washington calls for sharper insights. Get faster policy scoops, more congressional coverage, and a re-imagined newsletter under the leadership of Jack Blanchard. Subscribe to our Playbook Newsletter today. | | | | | | | NEW YORK STATE OF MIND | | — The Washington plane crash has stirred memories of another tragedy that hit the Lake Placid figure skating community. (Spectrum News) — Some migrant students have stayed home over ICE fears. (NY1) — National Grid workers on Long Island are considering a strike. (Newsday)
| | A message from PhRMA: 340B markups help hospitals, not patients. 340B hospitals mark up discounted medicines to boost their profits – like charging patients $5,000 for cancer medicines that cost the hospital $500. This hidden tax increases costs for patients, taxpayers and employers. So, if New Yorkers aren't benefiting, where's the money going? It's time to hold 340B hospitals accountable. | | | | | SOCIAL DATA | | Edited by Daniel Lippman MAKING MOVES: The Office of the Inspector General has hired Jennifer Sculco, former chief of the Public Integrity & Law Enforcement Integrity Bureau at the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, as deputy inspector general for the upstate region … OIG has also promoted investigative counsel Rachel-Rebekah Brown as the attorney-in-charge of gaming matters … Enzo Manzano, former deputy director of community relations at CCA Metro, is now a director on Kasirer's nonprofit team HAPPY BIRTHDAY: NYC Council Member Shahana Hanif … Assemblymember Harvey Epstein … Cozen’s Stuart Shorenstein … Genevieve Michel … former Council Member Ben Kallos … Business Roundtable’s Michael Steel … Sarabeth Berman … CAA’s Ali Spiesman … Omarosa Manigault Newman … Nicole Levy … Shelly Palmer … (WAS TUESDAY): Jon Gray Missed Tuesday’s New York Playbook PM? We forgive you. Read it here. | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | |
