Elon Musk’s newly formed Government Efficiency taskforce is already seeking applicants, gearing up for action before Donald Trump even begins his term as President in January.
Known informally as DOGE, a nod to Musk’s favored cryptocurrency, the taskforce’s goal is ambitious: it aims to drastically reduce the federal government’s footprint by cutting bureaucracy, eliminating positions, and trimming the $6.75 trillion federal budget by up to one-third.
However, only those with a strong ideological commitment to minimizing government should consider applying. According to DOGE, which Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will oversee, the job will be both tough and ungratifying.
“We are on the lookout for brilliant individuals who are passionate about small government and are ready to dedicate over 80 hours weekly to the uncelebrated task of budget reduction,” DOGE announced in a statement released Thursday from its official account.
Those interested in joining must contact DOGE directly, now marked with the grey checkmark on X, indicating its status as a government entity. However, reaching out comes with a cost: applicants must first pay a subscription fee to Musk’s platform where DOGE’s account is hosted.
Musk and Ramaswamy will personally select standout applicants, promising to review the top 1% of candidates themselves.
Tackling the ‘Administrative State’
Since Ronald Reagan’s era, conservatives have pushed for a reduction in government resources, encapsulated by Reagan’s 1986 catchphrase, “the nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help’.”
To conservatives and libertarians, the government often seems like a behemoth that infringes on individual sovereignty (though U.S. government spending is relatively low compared to other industrialized nations).
“Republican leaders have long dreamt of achieving what ‘DOGE’ aims to do,” Trump commented earlier this week.
The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, designed for a potential Republican administration, focuses on dismantling this so-called Administrative State, a process deemed crucial for the next conservative leader.
Rather than leaving decisions to federal agencies influenced by corporate lobbyists, conservatives argue that Congress should scrutinize spending and remain answerable to the people.
The specifics of how DOGE will function are still unclear, including its oversight mechanisms. Trump has confirmed that while it will operate independently of the executive branch, it will still be under his purview.
This could mean DOGE might simply serve as an advisory group or, depending on its influence with the incoming President, it could wield significant power.
‘ALL government spending is taxation’, Musk argues
Musk, like many tech leaders, has been vocal about his disdain for regulatory measures that, while intended to protect things like worker rights and environmental concerns, can also stifle market competition. He points to situations like New York City’s taxi regulations as examples.
Musk advocates for a ‘regulatory garbage collection’ effort to cut down the maze of rules that hinder economic expansion, suggesting a drastic reduction in federal agencies and slashing $2 trillion from the budget.
“ALL government spending is taxation,” Musk asserts, explaining that government expenditures are financed either through direct taxes or by inflating the money supply. While the Federal Reserve currently controls monetary policy, Musk’s statement reflects a broader conservative viewpoint.
‘Once-in-a-century opportunity’
Despite criticisms of redundancy with Musk and Ramaswamy co-leading, supporters see a potential advantage. Musk can focus on strategic oversight, leaving Ramaswamy to handle the political intricacies and potential backlash (Musk has even half-joked about needing to enhance his security).
Ramaswamy, who passed up a chance to compete for J.D. Vance’s Senate seat, emphasized the unique chance this role offers: “We won and now have a once-in-a-century opportunity to radically downsize the federal government,” he stated this week.
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has already suggested ways to cut $700 billion, indicating areas where the taskforce might begin its work.
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Jamie Prescott specialises in economic journalism, breaking down complex topics like global trade and finance into digestible stories. Jamie helps readers stay informed about the economy and its impact on local communities.
