Musk or Us Recess Toolkit

Members of the House of Representatives will be back on your home turf from Friday, February 14th, through Sunday, February 23rd, and it’s our opportunity to remind them who they work for. Below is everything you need to get started. Fighting back against the Trump-Musk coup is going to take all of us. Sign up for updates and ways to take action against the Trump-Musk coup.

  • WHAT IS RECESS?

    • If you're looking for the Google Doc version of this toolkit, click here.

    WHAT IS CONGRESSIONAL RECESS AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

    Congressional recess isn’t a vacation—it’s a critical part of the legislative calendar when Members of Congress (MoCs) return to their home districts to meet with constituents. Officially called a District Work Period for the House of Representatives and a State Work Period for the Senate, these weeks exist to ensure that MoCs remain accountable to the people they represent (insert joke here — go ahead).

    You should go ahead and calendar these Recess dates now (keep in mind they’re subject to change) — because we have a feeling this isn’t going to be the last time we’re doing this. Here’s a combined 2025 congressional calendar. 

    Recess is when Members of Congress go back home to host town halls, meet with constituents, and try to paint themselves as responsive to the people who elected them. It is also when MoCs think they can avoid public scrutiny—especially Republicans who want to dodge tough questions about their complicity in Trump and Musk’s coup. House Republicans use this time to meet with lobbyists and donors while hoping their constituents stay silent. House Democrats, meanwhile, need to hear from us to remind them that they have power—and that we expect them to use it to fight back. The Senate remains in session during this recess, meaning the fight in the House is where we apply the most pressure. (BTW, if you’re looking for more information about some of these basics about how Congress works and how to get their attention, you’re going to love the original 2016 Indivisible Guide.)

    This House recess—from Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 23—is our opportunity to take action. We show up. We make them answer for their votes. We refuse to let them hide. Every Republican must feel the heat for their complicity in the Trump-Musk coup. Every Democrat must know that we’ve got their backs when they fight back.

    WHY RECESS MATTERS

    Since 2017, Indivisible groups across the country have used congressional recesses to disrupt the status quo, hold elected officials accountable, and win real victories. We’ve made it impossible for MoCs to hide—from the first wave of resistance to Trump’s agenda in 2017 to stopping Republican efforts to gut healthcare, and mobilizing to defend democracy in 2020 and beyond.

    Here are a few of our favorite throwbacks from over the years that might inspire you as you’re thinking through your plans:

    • Indivisibles in Michigan held an empty chair town hall when their Republican MoC refused to face them — their guest of honor? A chicken. No, like, an actual chicken.
    • Indivisibles in Texas also held an empty chair town hall — featuring their missing Senators, Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, on milk cartons. 
    • Indivisibles in Oregon got a lot of media attention for their Republican Rep’s absence with their empty chair town hall.
    • Indivisibles in Pennsylvania went a little viral when they birddogged then-Senate candidate Dr. Oz and got it on video.
    • Indivisibles in Texas showed just how effective birddogging can be when they confronted their Representative and refused to back down until they got answers.
    • And who can forget all of those town halls with pointed questions and constituents holding up red cards to signal disagreement with something an MoC said?

    🔥 We know that showing up works. Every single time we’ve organized around congressional recess, we’ve made lawmakers take notice—and changed the political landscape. This recess, we do it again. Because the stakes are too high to stay home.

  • STATE OF PLAY

    • STATE OF PLAY: WHY WE’RE TAKING ACTION

    Trump and his billionaire allies are dismantling democracy in real-time. Here’s what’s happening:

    💥 Economic terrorism at OMB: Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) attempted to cut all federal funding for child nutrition, healthcare, domestic violence shelters, and veterans' programs. A judge blocked it—for now.

    💰 Elon Musk has his hands on U.S. Treasury payments: Trump’s Treasury Secretary secretly gave Musk access to a system that moves trillions of dollars. Will he block payments to safety-net programs? Funnel confidential financial data to his companies? We don’t know—because there is zero oversight.

    🏦 The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was gutted: Trump-installed director Russell Vought ordered all investigations and enforcement actions to stop—allowing banks, payday lenders, and credit card companies to scam Americans with zero consequences.

    ⚖️ JD Vance declared the courts illegitimate if they try to stop Trump. He openly stated that the judiciary has no right to constrain the president’s power.

    And while all of this unfolds, House Republicans are trying to ram through an extremist budget that rips food off tables and puts education and healthcare out of reach—while handing over control of government funding to Elon Musk.  They’re slashing programs that help families afford rent, childcare, and healthcare and stripping resources from the very agencies that keep corporations in check. All the while, Musk and Trump tighten their grip on the government, using it as a piggy bank for their own gain. This isn’t governance; it’s outright theft.

    They think they can get away with it because people won’t notice. That’s where we come in. 

    OUR RECESS DEMANDS

    This recess is about making Republicans sweat and making sure Democrats stand firm. We are showing up, speaking out, and refusing to let anyone dodge responsibility. They work for us, and they will hear from us. Here’s how to think about your goals depending on who your Representative is.

    GOALS FOR HOLDING HOUSE REPUBLICANS ACCOUNTABLE

    This recess, we’re making sure every single Republican feels the heat for their complicity and pays a political price for selling out their constituents. No more hiding behind talking points or donor meetings—we will force them on the record, demand real answers, and expose their chaos, corruption, and complicity right in their own districts.

    GOALS:

    • Put Republicans on the spot—force them to answer for their votes and their complicity in the Trump-Musk coup.
    • Expose their corruption—tie them directly to the devastating impacts of their policies.
    • Make it impossible for them to ignore their constituents—show up at their offices, events, and anywhere they try to hide. Remind them they work for you, not Trump.
    • Turn their silence into a story—if they refuse to answer, we make sure their voters know.
    • Ensure they feel the pressure back in Washington—so they know they’ll be held accountable at home if they vote for this extremist budget.

    GOALS FOR PUSHING HOUSE DEMOCRATS TO USE THEIR LEVERAGE

    At the same time, House Democrats have power—if they use it. But they need to be reminded. We need to show up for the ones fighting, celebrate their courage, and remind them to hold the line. We’ll push them to commit to voting NO on any budget that gives Musk and Trump control over our government’s spending or includes extremist cuts. And we’ll make sure they know that when they fight, we fight with them.

    GOALS:

    • Strengthen the resolve of Democrats who are fighting back—let them know they have our support.
    • Push wavering Democrats to hold the line—make sure they don’t cave under pressure.
    • Secure public commitments to vote NO on any budget that hands control to Trump and Musk or includes extremist poison pills.
    • Encourage them to use their leverage—demand procedural hardball to block Republican sabotage.
    • Make it clear that when they fight, we have their backs—but if they fold, we will hold them accountable.

    A WORD ON FINDING YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS' PUBLIC EVENTS & TOWN HALLS

    Attending public events is one of the most effective ways to hold your Member of Congress (MoC) accountable. Here’s how to find out when and where they’ll be engaging with constituents:

    ✅ Check Their Website – Most MoCs list upcoming town halls, office hours, and public events on their official House or Senate websites. 

    📧 Sign Up for Email Alerts – Many MoCs send newsletters with event announcements. Subscribe to their email list via their website to receive updates directly in your inbox.

    📱 Follow Their Social Media – Lawmakers often post event details on their Facebook, Bluesky, Twitter (X), and Instagram pages. Be sure to check their official accounts regularly.

    📞 Call Their Office – If no public events are listed, call your MoC’s district office and ask when they’ll be available to meet with constituents. The office staff should be able to provide event details or take note of your request.

    🚨 If They Aren't Holding Public Events, Demand One – If your MoC is dodging town halls or refusing to meet with constituents, make noise. Call their office, tag them on social media, and organize an Empty Chair Town Hall to highlight their absence. Constituents deserve access to their representatives—don’t let them hide.

    Holding your MoC accountable starts with showing up. Find their events, ask tough questions, and make sure they know you are watching.

    Protesters hold signs criticizing Elon Musk. One reads 'NO ONE VOTED FOR ELON MUSK,' another features his portrait with 'I AM STEALING FROM YOU,' and a neon green sign says 'DOGE SCAMS THE MILITARY.' More signs are visible in the background.
  • TACTICS

    • RECESS TACTICS TARGETING YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

    Below, you'll find our recommended tactics depending on whether your member of Congress is a Republican or Democrat. But feel free to get creative!

    House Republicans

    House Republicans are complicit in the Trump-Musk coup, and they think they can dodge accountability. We’re going to force them on the record, expose their corruption, and make them pay a political price.

    📍 Find Their Office

    • Use house.gov to locate the nearest district office.
    • Confirm the office hours to ensure staff is present.

    📅 Pick a Strategic Time

    • Plan your visit for a weekday when staff is working (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM).
    • Consider coordinating with local media to cover your visit.

    👥 Gather and Prepare Your Group

    • Aim for 5–15 participants (the bigger, the better—but showing up is what counts!).
    • Consider registering your event on Mobilize so folks nearby can join you.
    • Assign clear roles:

    ✔ Spokesperson – Opens the meeting, states the demand (e.g., “Vote NO on the Trump-Musk budget”)
    ✔ Storyteller(s) – Shares personal stories about how Musk’s control over federal funds impacts them.
    ✔ Note-Taker – Documents what’s said, including non-answers or dodging.
    ✔ Social Media Lead – Captures video, posts updates, and ensures visibility.
    ✔ Backup Disruptor – If staff dismisses the group, they reinforce the message and demand action.

    🔥 Prepare Your Ask

    • Demand they vote NO on any budget that hands control of government spending to Musk and Trump.
    • Press them to hold hearings on Musk’s access to Treasury payment systems.
    • Ask them to publicly commit to rejecting extremist poison pills in the budget.

    🚪 Execute the Visit

    • Sign in at the front desk—be polite but firm.
    • Demand a meeting with the MoC or their State Director. If unavailable, insist on a follow-up commitment.
    • If refused entry, hold a visibility event outside and post about their refusal online. Please make sure to follow all state and local guidelines around gathering on public and private property.

    📸 Document Everything & Follow Up

    • Take photos and videos—show the world if they refuse to engage.
    • Post updates on social media with #MuskOrUs and tag local reporters.
    • Follow up with an email summarizing the visit and requesting an official response.

    For more information about planning a successful District Office Visit, check out our expanded resource here.

    If your Republican Representative won’t meet with constituents, we make sure their district knows exactly what they’re doing. And be sure to register your event on Mobilize!

    🔥 Tactic ideas:

    • Banner drops: Overpasses, district offices, busy intersections—consider messages like:
      • No One Voted for Elon Musk
      • Americans Against Oligarchy
      • It’s Musk Or Us. Whose Side Are You On?
    • Street theater: Someone in a Musk mask holding a House Republican like a puppet.
    • Caravan protests: Drive laps around their office with honk-and-wave signs.
    • Die-ins: Representing lives threatened by DOGE cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security
    • Storyteller rally: Invite local elected officials, federal employees, and people who rely on threatened services to tell the story of Musk’s threat and Republicans’ enabling

    If your MoC refuses to hold a real town hall, hold one without them.

    📢 How to do it:

    • Register your event on Mobilize.
    • Invite local media—make sure the story is “Representative [X] is hiding from constituents.”
    • Set up an empty chair labeled with their name or a cardboard cutout of them.
    • Have community members speak about the direct impact of Republican policies and the questions you’d ask if the MoC had shown up.
    • Use visuals: Milk cartons with their face labeled "MISSING" work well.

    🔥 Bonus: Make a cardboard cutout of them and ask their “stand-in” questions.

    📢 These questions are designed to corner them, force them to answer for their complicity and make them squirm.  You can use this website created by House Democrats to pull district-specific data on how Republicans’ economic plans would impact constituents.

     The Trump-Musk Budget Power Grab

    • “Your budget slashes Medicaid and food assistance but gives Elon Musk a tax break. Why?”
    • “How do you justify cutting meals for kids while cutting taxes for billionaires?”
    • “Republicans claim to be fiscally responsible, so why are you increasing the deficit for billionaires?”

    Musk’s Control Over Government Spending

    • “Why did your party secretly give Elon Musk access to the U.S. Treasury’s payment system?”
    • “Do you support an investigation into how Musk gained this power?”
    • “Why does Musk have more control over taxpayer money than voters?”

    Attacks on Healthcare, Food Assistance, and Social Programs

    • “How many families in your district will lose Medicaid because of your vote?”
    • “Are you personally giving up your taxpayer-funded healthcare if others must go without?”
    • “Why are billionaires getting handouts while working families are told to ‘tighten their belts’?”

    Immigration, Extremist Riders, and MAGA Power Grabs

    • “Why is your budget attacking immigrants instead of holding billionaires accountable?”
    • “Why are you sneaking poison pill riders into a budget bill?”
    • “Do you support using the budget process to force right-wing policies on the country?”

    Accountability, Oversight, and Defending Democracy

    • “If you’re proud of your votes, why won’t you hold a public town hall to defend them?”
    • “Do you believe Trump should be able to override Congress and control federal spending himself?”
    • “Why are you blocking oversight into Musk’s control over taxpayer dollars?”

    HOUSE DEMOCRATS

    Some House Democrats are stepping up and publicly committing to vote NO on any budget that includes extremist cuts, poison pill riders, or lacks safeguards against Musk’s power grab. They’ve said loud and clear that they won’t bail out Republicans, especially without real protections in place.

    We’re keeping track of the Democrats who have publicly made this commitment—not as a formal list, but as a way to celebrate those who are fighting back. There are likely many more who agree but haven’t made a public statement yet!

    So far, here are the representatives we’ve seen take a stand: Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Frank Pallone, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, Rep. Joyce Beatty, Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Rep. Yassamin Ansari, Rep. Bill Foster, Rep. Lateefah Simon, Rep. Gabe Amo, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Rep. Becca Balint, Rep. Seth Magaziner, and Rep. Jamie Raskin.

    🙌 If your Democrat is on this list, thank them! Show up at their events, send them a message, and encourage them to keep fighting.

    💡 If your Democrat isn’t on this list, that doesn’t mean they aren’t committed—it just means we haven’t seen a public statement yet. Reach out and ask them to say it loud and clear: they'll vote no on any funding deal that includes extremist cuts, poison pill riders, or lacks ironclad safeguards against Musk's power grab. If they do, let us know so we can celebrate them too!

    📍 Find Their Office

    • Locate their office at house.gov.
    • Confirm their office hours to ensure staff availability.

    📅 Pick a Strategic Time

    • Plan for a weekday during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM).
    • If they are holding a public town hall, show up and ask tough questions.

    👥 Gather and Prepare Your Group

    ✔ Spokesperson – Opens the meeting, states the demand: “Vote NO on any budget that hands control to Trump and Musk.”
    ✔ Storyteller(s) – Share stories about how Musk’s control over the government affects them.
    ✔ Note-Taker – Records the meeting, including any commitments or dodging.
    ✔ Social Media Lead – Captures content and spreads it online.
    ✔ Backup Disruptor – Reinforces the urgency if staff tries to brush off concerns.

    🔥 Prepare Your Ask

    • Commit to voting NO on any budget that lacks ironclad protections against Trump’s power grab.
    • Demand hearings and make motions to subpoena Musk and Trump officials—put them under public scrutiny. If Republicans refuse to hold real oversight hearings, Democrats must take matters into their own hands and hold shadow hearings to expose how MAGA elites are trying to loot the government and rig the system for billionaires.
    • Use procedural tools to slow House business and block GOP sabotage. Put Republicans on the record about their harmful policies and force votes when GOP members are absent or trying to skip procedural steps.

    🚪 Execute the Visit

    • Be persistent—do not leave without a commitment from the office.
    • If they are already strong fighters, show support but press them to go even further.
    • If they refuse to engage, make sure their silence is loudly documented.

    📸 Document Everything & Follow Up

    • Take photos and videos—especially if they refuse to commit to fighting back.
    • Post updates on social media with #MuskOrUs.
    • Follow up via email to get an official stance from the MoC.

    For more information about planning a successful District Office Visit, check out our expanded resource here.

    We want to lift up the Democrats who are standing strong—and remind them we’ve got their backs. Don’t forget to register your event on Mobilize so folks in your community looking for a way to take action can find you.

    🔥 Tactic ideas:

    • Cake delivery: “Thanks for fighting Musk’s takeover!”
    • Photo ops with constituents holding “We Have Your Back” signs.
    • Press event thanking them for standing firm.
    • Courage is Contagious - Thank You [Member] banner drop.

    Many House Democrats are holding town halls—we need to show up and ask smart, strategic questions. For more detailed guidance, check out our Town Hall Guide.

    📢 How to prepare:

    • Get there early—spread out in the audience.
    • Ask sharp questions about their strategy, not gotcha questions.
    • If they dodge, follow up.
    • Record and share their commitments online.

    🔥 Key Questions for Democrats:

    • “Will you commit to voting NO on any budget that lets Trump and Musk override Congress?”
    • “How are you using your leverage to protect programs working families rely on?”
    • “Will you push leadership to hold shadow hearings on Musk’s access to federal spending?”
    • “Can you guarantee you won’t support a budget with extremist riders attacking abortion rights, LGBTQ+ protections, or immigrant communities?”
    • “What specific actions are you taking to stop Republican sabotage and fight back against the Trump-Musk coup?”
    Protesters gather at night holding signs. One reads 'BLOCK, DELAY, OBSTRUCT – NO EXCUSES,' and another says 'NO ONE VOTED FOR ELON MUSK,' both with 'Indivisible' branding. A crowd fills the street in front of illuminated buildings.
  • TESLA TOWNHALL

    • THE TESLA TOWN HALL: TAKE THE FIGHT TO ELON

    After spending over $250 million to help elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk is now collecting on his investment. The world’s richest man isn’t just enabling Trump—he’s an unelected billionaire seizing control of government power for his own gain. This isn’t just about MAGA lawlessness—it’s about billionaire-driven authoritarianism, corporate overreach, and systemic corruption.

    To fight back, we have to meet Musk where he operates—across the country at Tesla showrooms, factories, and dealerships. A Tesla protest is a powerful way to expose his deep ties to the Trump coup and demand accountability.

    🚨 Note: The best way to use your recess time is to pressure your Member of Congress. But if your MoC is ducking town halls or has already committed to our demands, a Tesla action can be a high-impact alternative. Explore how to put it together below.

    Planning Your Tesla Town Hall

    📍 Find Your Target Location

    📅 Pick the Best Date & Time

    • Protests work best during business hours when foot traffic is high.
    • Aim for visibility during the congressional recess period to tie your action into the broader political fight.

    📣 Register Your Event & Invite Others

    📺 Bring the Press

    Key Roles for Your Group

    ✔ Emcee – Kicks off the rally, explains the purpose, and introduces speakers.
    ✔ Storyteller(s) – Shares personal stories about how Musk’s coup is harming working families.
    ✔ Press Lead – Engages directly with media covering the event.
    ✔ Social Media Lead – Captures video, posts updates, and ensures maximum visibility.
    ✔ De-escalators – Ensures safety and manages interactions with law enforcement.

    Important Guidelines

    • Public Space Only: Stay on sidewalks and public areas—do not block business entrances or trespass on private property. Please follow all state and local regulations regarding gathering on public and private property.
    • Stay on Message: This is about Musk’s political takeover, not Tesla, SpaceX, or X as companies.
    • No Business Targeting: Indivisible is focused on Musk’s role in the Trump-Musk coup. Indivisible is not advising and does not condone any actions that directly interfere with the daily operations or activities of any business or entity. Please follow all state and local guidelines regarding gathering on public or private business property.
    • Consider Your Safety and Security Approach: While this guidance isn’t exhaustive, we encourage everyone planning public events to read through our Safety, Security, and Digital Preparedness for a Second Trump Administration resource and ensure you have the right plans in place for your event.

    Example Protest Agenda

    10:30 AM: Volunteers arrive, set up podium, distribute signs.
    11:00 AM: Protest begins—chanting, handing out flyers.
    11:05 AM: Emcee welcomes attendees and explains the purpose.
    11:10 AM: Speaker 1 shares how Musk’s power grab threatens working families.
    11:15 AM: Speaker 2 discusses how Musk’s control over federal spending affects their community.
    11:30 AM: Closing chants and media interviews.

    Messaging for Anti-Musk Rallies

    🚨 Define Musk Accurately
    Musk isn’t just a billionaire—he’s operating as an unelected government official, making national decisions behind closed doors.

    💰 Expose Musk’s Self-Enrichment
    This isn’t about ideology; it’s a money grab. Musk is using government power to funnel wealth into his own hands.

    📉 Tie Musk to Unpopular GOP Policies
    Musk is less popular than Trump. Use that unpopularity to highlight MAGA policies like slashing Social Security and gutting consumer protections.

    📢 Sign Ideas for Tesla Protests:
    🔴 IT’S MUSK OR US
    🔴 WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?
    🔴 AMERICANS AGAINST BILLIONAIRE CAPTURE
    🔴 TRAITOR
    🔴 FIRE ELON MUSK
    🔴 MAKE MUSK THE X-PRESIDENT

  • REGISTERING & PROMOTING YOUR EVENT

    • REGISTERING & PROMOTING YOUR EVENT

    📌 Register your event on Mobilize so others in your area can join. You can also check if there’s already an event planned near you—more people means more power.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    📝 Do I need to register an event, or can I just go?
    Yes—please register your event! It helps us track how many actions are happening and ensures every MoC feels the pressure. If you want to keep it private, you can mark your event as “invite-only” when creating it.

    📢 Will you help me recruit?
    We encourage you to take the lead on bringing people together, but posting a public event will allow Indivisible to help spread the word and recruit more attendees.

    📞 Do I need to call in advance if I’m going to a District Office?
    Nope! You can call ahead if you have a relationship with the office, but there’s no requirement to schedule a meeting. If staff tells you they can’t accommodate a visit on short notice, show up anyway. This is urgent, and we don’t have time to wait.

    💻 Can I do a virtual event?
    This week, we need in-person actions. However, if you can’t go in person, flood their offices with phone calls. A personal visit is harder to ignore, but calls can still make a huge impact.

    👥 There’s already a visit listed for my MoC—should I join that one or start another?
    Either works! If you see a scheduled event that fits your availability, join it. But if you can’t make it, organize another action at a time that works for you. Every event adds to the pressure.

    If you have any other questions, feel free to send us an email at supportteam@indivisible.org. 

  • RESOURCES & LINKS

    • Resources & Links

    • Event Reimbursement Form

      Indivisible Project can reimburse groups for eligible expenses, up to $200.00 per group, associated with your “Musk Or Us” actions!

      GET THE FORM

      Step 1