Speaking at the World Governments Summit, Elon Musk advocated for the complete elimination of entire U.S. government agencies to combat inefficiency, likening partial agency reform to leaving weed roots intact. He believes this approach, implemented as head of the new Department of Government Efficiency, could reduce the federal deficit by $1 trillion by 2026. This drastic measure, exemplified by the near-shutdown of USAID and its potential absorption into the State Department, has already begun impacting global aid. Musk contends that while complete eradication of bureaucracy is impossible, a stronger foundation for U.S. governance can be established.
Read More
Elon Musk vehemently criticized a judge’s order temporarily blocking his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Treasury Department data, calling for the judge’s impeachment. This action followed a lawsuit filed by state attorneys general alleging DOGE’s access exceeded statutory authority. Musk contends this data is crucial for his government efficiency initiatives, while critics raise concerns about DOGE’s vetting processes and potential data breaches. Recent legal setbacks, including halted plans for employee administrative leave and a buyout offer, further impede DOGE’s efforts to restructure the federal government. The legality of DOGE’s actions and its future are likely to face continued legal challenges.
Read More
Despite repeated denials by the Treasury Department and White House, a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) technologist, Marko Elez, possessed write access to critical Treasury payment systems. Elez, a SpaceX and X employee with limited government experience, resigned following inquiries about his association with a racist social media account. This access, granted after the retirement of a senior Treasury official who resisted DOGE’s demands, allowed potential manipulation of federal payments. Subsequent reporting revealed that Elez made code changes, prompting concerns about the security and integrity of the US payment system.
Read More
Elon Musk’s “deferred resignation” program, aimed at dismantling the federal workforce, has overwhelmingly failed due to low participation—less than 1% of federal employees accepted the offer. This scheme, orchestrated through Musk’s unauthorized Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), involves misleading promises of severance pay, legally questionable under current law. The program faces significant legal challenges, including a restraining order sought by the American Federation of Government Employees, and is projected to ultimately cost the government more in legal fees than savings. The attempt is particularly egregious given the high percentage of veterans employed in federal agencies and the lack of Congressional authorization for the payments.
Read More
President Trump’s executive order established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), effectively renaming and reorganizing the US Digital Services. This move, spearheaded by Elon Musk and initially involving Vivek Ramaswamy, grants them significant access to federal data and systems. By circumventing the Federal Advisory Committee Act, DOGE avoids transparency requirements and oversight, unlike a traditional advisory committee. This action repurposes the existing USDS, granting DOGE broad authority to access and reform government technology across numerous agencies.
Read More
Vivek Ramaswamy’s departure from the newly formed “department of government efficiency” (Doge) leaves Elon Musk as its sole leader. Ramaswamy’s exit, reportedly stemming from disagreements over immigration policy, is attributed to his upcoming Ohio gubernatorial campaign. Musk, facing ethical concerns due to his companies’ government contracts, now solely oversees Doge, which has already faced a lawsuit alleging violations of federal transparency laws. Ramaswamy expressed confidence in Musk’s ability to streamline government spending.
Read More
President Trump’s executive order rebranded the existing United States Digital Service (USDS) as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), contrasting sharply with initial promises of sweeping bureaucratic dismantling and significant spending cuts. Instead, DOGE will focus on modernizing federal IT infrastructure and workforce reductions, employing small teams to streamline technology and hiring processes across agencies. This shift has drawn criticism, with lawsuits filed alleging prioritization of corporate interests over transparency and worker rights. The initiative includes a ban on remote work for federal employees and revised hiring practices.
Read More
Elon Musk’s purported new government department, often referred to as “Doge,” is reportedly facing significant turmoil with the potential departure of Vivek Ramaswamy. This development throws into question the future of a department designed for government efficiency, raising doubts about its viability even before its official launch.
The possibility of Ramaswamy’s departure stems from his ambition to run for the governorship of Ohio. His focus shift towards this gubernatorial bid, possibly announced by the end of January, is predicted to significantly impact his involvement in “Doge,” potentially rendering his contribution minimal, if at all.
This potential departure might actually benefit Musk.… Continue reading
Vivek Ramaswamy, recently appointed to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with Elon Musk, is expected to leave the position to pursue a gubernatorial campaign in Ohio. Internal friction within DOGE, stemming from Ramaswamy’s perceived lack of participation, contributed to his departure. This follows a failed attempt by Ramaswamy to secure Ohio’s vacant Senate seat. Despite briefly collaborating with Musk on DOGE plans, their partnership proved short-lived.
Read More
Running the government like a business would be a disaster because the fundamental goals are diametrically opposed. Businesses prioritize profit maximization for owners and shareholders, often at the expense of worker well-being and long-term sustainability. Governments, on the other hand, should focus on the well-being and happiness of their citizens, even if it means sacrificing short-term financial gains. This difference in core objectives makes direct comparison misleading and dangerous.
The idea of applying business principles to government often serves as a dog whistle for those seeking to shrink government services and redirect public funds towards private interests. This “streamlining” often translates to cuts to essential programs benefiting the majority, while simultaneously enriching the wealthy through tax breaks and deregulation.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood