Elon Musk is leading a controversial effort at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reduce federal spending and downsize government bureaucracy, drawing fierce opposition from Democratic leaders. The initiative has identified questionable spending at various agencies, including nearly $200 million at USAID alone, covering projects like an Iraqi version of “Sesame Street” and diversity programs in foreign countries.
Democratic figures including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are actively working to turn public opinion against Mr. Musk, characterizing him as an “oligarch” pursuing personal gain. The situation escalated when DOGE teams gained access to the Treasury payment system and USAID workers were locked out of their Washington headquarters. Congressional Democrats were denied entry to both Treasury and USAID offices, leading to protests.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen accused Musk of participating in a corrupt bargain, claiming he contributed over $250 million to President Donald Trump’s election campaign in exchange for control over federal agencies. Liberal filmmaker Michael Moore described the actions as an illegal coup, arguing that Mr. Musk lacks any electoral mandate or authority for such actions.
Republicans such as Sen. Joni Ernst defend Musk’s efforts, suggesting that the bureaucracy’s strong resistance to reforms validates the need for change. Mr. Musk himself has called for eliminating federal regulations and shutting down USAID, which he labeled a criminal organization.
Recent polling shows mixed public sentiment about Mr. Musk’s role in the government. An Economist/YouGov survey revealed that only 13% of Americans want him to have significant influence in the Trump administration, while 46% prefer he have none. His support among Republicans has also declined, with those wanting him to have “a lot” of influence dropping from 47% to 26% since the November election.
Read more: Democrats shift to fighting stance to confront onslaught of Elon Musk
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