Introduction to the Issue

Elon Musk’s attempts to dismantle the federal government by crippling agencies that provide essential public services have sparked a concerning trend across the country. These agencies are responsible for ensuring Americans have access to clean air and water, accurate weather forecasts, and protection from predatory corporations. Conservative governments, impressed by Musk’s approach, are now seeking to emulate this strategy, potentially harming their own constituents.

The Spread of the "Slash-and-Burn Playbook"

According to a report by Business Insider, numerous state and local governments are adopting Musk’s tactics, aiming to eliminate "wasteful" government programs. This movement is observed in at least 18 states, counties, and towns, with initiatives being implemented through executive orders and legislative actions. Governors, state lawmakers, and business executives are leading the charge, promising to identify and eliminate waste and fraud within state governments. Quirky names like the GOAT committee in Wisconsin and FLOGE in Florida have been adopted, with one state even having a BullDOGEr on the case.

The Misconception of Privatization

The notion that key services like education, water, roads, and weather reports will become less expensive through privatization is a misconception. In reality, cutting public funding often results in increased hardships for citizens. A conservative state legislator’s comments, as reported by Business Insider, illustrate this misguided thought process. Assemblyman Alex Sauickie of New Jersey, who sponsored a DOGE bill, emphasized the importance of efficiency in spending, stating that funding for minor league ballparks, tennis courts, or dominoes clubs with taxpayer money is unnecessary.

The Inefficacy of Musk’s Approach

It has become apparent that Musk’s efforts are not making the government more efficient or saving taxpayers money. A recent report revealed that federal spending reached a new record last month, with government spending in February being $36 billion higher than the previous year. This is because the agencies Musk is targeting represent a small fraction of federal spending and are actually quite efficient. The majority of federal spending goes towards entitlements like Social Security and Medicare, which enjoy widespread support among Americans.

The Threat to Social Security

Musk’s attacks on the Social Security Administration have raised concerns, with the entrepreneur labeling Social Security a "Ponzi scheme." This has led to fears that Musk may attempt to downsize and hamstring the program. As a result, even staunch advocates of government efficiency should be wary of Musk’s intentions, as his efforts may ultimately harm the very programs they aim to protect.