An “anti-fraud upgrade” implemented by Elon Musk’s DOGE group caused a major outage on the Social Security Administration website, preventing millions from accessing vital benefits and services. The crash, stemming from inadequate testing of the upgrade, resulted in widespread inability to access accounts and information, exacerbating existing concerns about delayed payments and system malfunctions. This incident follows mass layoffs within the agency and ongoing legal challenges to DOGE’s actions, highlighting significant disruptions to the Social Security system under the current administration. The outage underscores the severe consequences of poorly implemented technological changes impacting vulnerable populations reliant on these services.
Read More
The Trump administration’s drastic budget cuts have resulted in the termination of grants to numerous state libraries, effectively halting funding for vital library services across the nation. This action, seemingly random in its application, has left state library staff in uncertainty and jeopardized programs crucial to communities, particularly in rural areas. The cuts, deemed “puzzling” by some state officials, impact everything from summer reading programs to internet access and have sparked outrage from Congress and major publishers. The Institute of Museum and Library Services, the agency responsible for distributing these funds, has been left unable to respond to inquiries due to the abrupt and widespread nature of these terminations.
Read More
The U.S. Peace Corps, a venerable institution dedicated to international development and goodwill, finds itself facing an unprecedented challenge: the arrival of Elon Musk’s Dogecoin at its headquarters. This seemingly bizarre event speaks to a much larger, deeply concerning trend within the current administration.
The situation underscores a fundamental misunderstanding, perhaps even a deliberate disregard, for the concept of “soft power.” The Peace Corps, alongside initiatives like the Marshall Plan and NASA, has historically been a cornerstone of American soft power, fostering positive international relations and furthering U.S. interests through collaboration and humanitarian aid, far more effectively than any military campaign or direct diplomacy could ever hope to achieve.… Continue reading
Tesla’s significant drop in stock value, down 36 percent year-to-date, is linked to decreased Model Y production impacting deliveries and a 43 percent plunge in European sales. This downturn coincides with Elon Musk’s controversial political activities and the volatility of Dogecoin, negatively impacting Tesla’s brand image. Musk’s personal net worth has plummeted by over $100 billion since December. Reports suggest a potential distancing of Musk from the Trump administration, possibly reflecting the urgency of Tesla’s financial challenges.
Read More
Despite warnings from senior Interior Department officials about the risks, Elon Musk’s “Doge” team gained access to the Federal Personnel and Payroll System, which handles the payroll for 276,000 federal employees. A memo highlighted the sensitive nature of the data and the lack of necessary training for Doge employees. Access was granted over the weekend, despite the memo’s warnings and lack of approval from Secretary Burgum. Subsequently, two IT officials who resisted the access request were placed on administrative leave. The Interior Department claims these actions align with efforts to improve government efficiency.
Read More
Social Security’s looming insolvency is fueling anxieties about its privatization, with concerns escalating that influential figures like Elon Musk, through his promotion of Dogecoin, might be subtly guiding the system toward this outcome. The fear isn’t unfounded; the current trajectory suggests a potential shift towards a system where private entities manage the funds, potentially jeopardizing the security of benefits for millions of retirees and future beneficiaries.
The current system’s projected shortfall is primarily attributed to the low income cap on payroll taxes. Removing this cap would likely eliminate the funding problem altogether, ensuring the long-term solvency of Social Security without radical changes.… Continue reading
Senator Lisa Murkowski, a vocal critic of DOGE and the Trump administration, defied Elon Musk’s potential retribution, stating that he may fund a challenger in her 2028 reelection campaign. Murkowski attributed the silence of her GOP colleagues to fear of primary challenges fueled by Musk’s and Trump’s influence. Her repeated criticisms of DOGE’s cost-cutting measures and resulting firings, particularly impacting Alaska, highlight her unwavering stance despite potential political consequences. Murkowski’s 2022 primary victory offers some insulation, but the threat of well-funded primary challenges looms large for other GOP senators.
Read More
Readers are encouraged to submit news tips to The Daily Beast. Submissions can be made through a designated online portal. The publication welcomes information from all sources. This allows for a collaborative approach to newsgathering and reporting. [No further information is available within the provided text to elaborate].
Read More
A heated exchange occurred between Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Elon Musk during a White House cabinet meeting. Duffy expressed anger over Musk and Dogecoin’s alleged attempt to undermine air traffic control personnel. The disagreement also involved a disputed claim made by Musk, the details of which remain undisclosed. This clash highlights significant tension between the administration and Musk’s business dealings. The incident underscores potential conflicts between private sector initiatives and governmental oversight of critical infrastructure.
Read More
Joe Gebbia, the co-founder of Airbnb, is reportedly joining Elon Musk’s endeavors with Dogecoin, according to the New York Times. This news has sparked a considerable online backlash, with many expressing anger and disappointment towards both Gebbia and Musk. The sentiment largely revolves around the perceived negative impacts of both Airbnb and Musk’s business practices, and the idea that Gebbia’s involvement with Dogecoin represents a further consolidation of power among already wealthy individuals.
The criticism of Gebbia’s move is deeply rooted in the public’s perception of Airbnb’s role in exacerbating the housing crisis. Many believe Airbnb contributed to rising rental costs and decreased housing availability, effectively pricing out many people from their own communities.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood