Did you or anyone you know vote for Elon Musk for any office? Yet, some Republicans are now referring to Musk as “Prime Minister.” I think of him as the “Puppet Master in Chief.” He is certainly exercising a lot of control over the incoming Trump administration (and the President-Elect himself). This is an unelected man with no federally mandated position in our national government. He is accountable to absolutely no one—except, presumably, Donald Trump. He certainly is not asking American voters to voice an opinion. He openly expresses disdain for the Congress that was recently elected by us to represent our interests.
Yet, he was barking orders and even threats at Congress as that body struggled to find a path to avoid a government shutdown. His instructions to kill a bipartisan compromise were uttered publicly even before Trump voiced his own preference. It is particularly telling that Trump meekly seconded Musk’s pronouncement.
Musk’s myriad businesses hold multibillion-dollar contracts with our government. Yet, there seem to be no normal conflict-of-interest restraints governing his manipulation of government spending.
Targeting NASA
One of the agencies being targeted by Musk is NASA. Interestingly, Musk’s SpaceX has a $3.5 billion contract with NASA. No one should be surprised if Musk next suggests that NASA be privatized. Any guess who might be first in line to take NASA private? And who would have Trump and Congress in his pocket when contract negotiations commence?
The Federal Workforce
The federal workforce is another prime target. The actual data tells a much different story about real savings. The size of the federal workforce is about the same as it was 50 years ago—currently around 2.4 million federal workers. The claim about a bloated, out-of-control federal workforce is simply a lie.
If Musk were to reduce the workforce by as much as 25% (his target), the realized savings to the federal budget would only reduce federal spending by 1%.
Does this seem like a lot of effort for a relatively small reduction in government spending (not to mention the impact on the employees and their families)? Well, it is not really about the budget. It is actually part of a broader attack on government protections that improve the lives of all Americans.
It is an open secret that Musk, his minion Trump, and the 13 billionaires proposed for high administration positions want to cripple many of the safeguards that governmental agencies enact and enforce on our behalf. Many of the 2.4 million government workers are engaged in monitoring and protecting air and water quality. They work to keep our airports, highways, bridges, and ports up to code. They protect us from scams designed to steal our personal wealth. They track invasive species that can devastate our crops and threaten our health. They regulate the ingredients in our food. They develop medicines and medical procedures that extend our lives. They contain offshore drilling and McMansions in our national parks. They enact and enforce building codes. They limit the predatory instincts of insurers and utilities.
This brief list is by no means inclusive. Much of what our government does to make our lives better often goes unnoticed. If the plan to significantly reduce the government workforce is enacted, you will see unscrupulous individuals and companies exploiting the reduced ability of government to do its job.
Often, when a business complains about “government regulations,” they are incensed by restrictions that protect us from unethical business practices.
Ethical Disclaimer
This is not meant to condemn the vast majority of ethical businesses. But we should not be naive—government oversight is a barrier to bad behavior. Significantly reducing government watchdogs will not be good for most of us.
A Few Examples of Potential Cuts
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
President Biden has increased support for the IRS, resulting in the recovery of $4.7 billion in owed back taxes. The agency is also introducing a new free online electronic system that simplifies taxpayer filing. For many filers, this new service will eliminate the cost of commercial tax preparers and potentially speed up tax refunds.
Reducing the number of auditors who investigate upper-income earners will decrease tax collections and incentivize tax avoidance.
Department of Education (DOE)
Title I Funding: This program focuses on funding for low-achieving children, especially in high-poverty schools. Under the new administration, Title I will be transformed into a “no-strings-attached” block grant administered by state education departments. These funds could flow directly to parents as education savings accounts or vouchers for private schools. Title I funding is expected to be phased out completely over the next decade.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Like Title I, IDEA funding will become a no-strings-attached block grant to states. IDEA is supposed to cover 40% of states’ special education costs. Support for special needs students will likely be sacrificed to fund vouchers for private schools.
Social Safety Net Programs
Programs like Head Start and SNAP are likely on the chopping block. While these programs do not directly affect school funding, they are crucial for school preparedness among young kids. Losing these federal funds will increase the likelihood of children arriving at school hungry and poorly prepared to learn.
This is a deliberate attack on multiple school communities that are least prepared to fight back. It is driven purely by greed—for power and money.
The Bigger Picture
This list of funding cut targets is just a fragment of the DOGE plan.
Does anyone expect the Republican-controlled Senate and House to suddenly develop the backbone to stand up to Musk and his minion, Trump? Is anyone counting on public debate to allow a thorough hearing on the consequences of any of the proposed cuts?
Remember, DOGE is being touted as the answer to our spiraling national debt. Weekend Joe plans to take a look at that side of the equation in the near future.
Weekend Joe
Joe Elliott and Carolann Connor