DOGE: What’s not to like?
As a retired federal procurement professional, it’s laughable at what is being said about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The fearmongering directed at Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy is at a fever pitch. Reality is President Trump has the courage to pragmatically tackle fraud, waste, and abuse which has become massive over many decades. It’s unfortunate that overspending of other people’s money has become congress’ annual rite of passage.
The Attacks Have Begun
It’s inconceivable that anyone would be outraged about reigning in government spending and weeding out fraud, waste, and abuse. Yet, CA congresswoman Lofgren said in a CNN interview that DOGE was unconstitutional and illegal. This is debatable, but she did correctly state, “that power of the purse is with the legislative branch, not the president.” However, once a funding bill is signed, the executive branch receives its allocated funding. They in turn appropriate the funding to departments and agencies for various programs to fulfill their mission. Also, reallocation or transferring funds within or to another program is nothing new or unusual and does fall within the purview of the President.
A November 2024 Government Executive commentary by Tom Shoop wishes Elon and Vivek “good luck” in tackling fraud, waste, and abuse. Because President Trump will be a lame-duck when he takes office, the author claims he will “lose interest in management improvement and reorganization initiatives” and nothing will get accomplished. The snarky tone advises “simply cut, paste and change the fonts” of reports from previous administrations “and see if anyone notices.” However, we’ve already experienced accomplishments in President Trump’s first term. Now that he is wiser with the wily ways of Washington, the people expect greater endeavors with many more accomplishments.
The Time to Cut Spending is Now
Since the announcement of DOGE, many articles and posts have contemplated where to begin with spending cuts. There are numerous outdated and unnecessary programs, vacant buildings around the nation, excessive foreign aid being doled out, questionable contracts and grants, and so much more. These are only a few examples of fraud, waste, and abuse of the people’s money.
A recent Washington Times article highlighted information from an investigative report released on 12 December 2024 by Parents Defending Education. It revealed over $1 billion was sent to education institutions via grants for the purpose of expanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. This is representative of one department for one subject area. There is a high probability that hundreds of thousands of wasteful, potentially fraudulent, spending will be identified and eliminated.
On the other hand, abuse is not always obvious or transparent and typically exposed over time. One of the more recent abuses began in 2020. Look no further than COVID to recognize the nefarious tactics used in an abusive manner. The virus is a clear example of how nations and their leaders controlled the masses. Our republic was so successful with controlling people through fear that it enabled a feeble Biden to shuffle into the White House. Only in the last days of the administration is information being released that reveals Biden was in a deteriorating state and unfit for office during the 2020 election cycle. But clearly power and control justify the means.
Actions taken to prevent the spread is one case that led to doling out obscene amounts for fraud, waste, and abuse. It exacerbated spending and spurred inflation to a point of almost tanking our economy. To ensure America has a future, we should welcome reduced spending. Tackling our massive bureaucracy must begin now and DOGE is for a time such as this.
Capitalism Benefits Economies
The United States operates under a capitalist economy where efficiency of production is a pillar of the system. Though not a perfect model, it is the best model for economic prosperity. Our founders created a republic that would allow opportunity for all citizens, not merely the educated and well-connected elites.
Capitalism can only thrive when a nation seeks to restrain government. We make attempts to limit size via elections because when public, or private, organizations get too big, efficiency suffers. When competition is crushed, the effectiveness of a product or service begins to deteriorate, workers become complacent, unrealistic expectations increase, and demands become onerous on all.
Our system realizes that competition is a cornerstone for economic growth and success. However, when government chooses to manipulate the playing field via spending for specific purposes and controlling outcomes, the system becomes unbalanced and breaks down. People move from self-reliance to government dependency for basic needs. A danger mankind needs to avoid.
What Elon and Vivek uncover will not be welcomed because it will change and challenge the status quo. However, eliminating even a fraction of fraud, waste, and abuse has the potential to provide great benefit and opportunity. Compelling people to think, create, and use their God given talents to promote America’s foundational principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness must be a priority. The eventual return on investment of reducing government intrusion and overreach will prove to be the greatest gift President Trump can give to the taxpayer.
