DENVER (AP) — Conservatives in Congress have long discussed the necessity of significant government cuts, but have hesitated to specify reductions out of fear of backlash from voters. President Donald Trump’s administration is now attempting to implement major cuts through the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, overseen by billionaire Elon Musk. This initiative, led by an unelected businessman appointed by a termed-out president, has raised concerns among fiscal conservatives who advocate for Congress to reduce spending within the framework of the Constitution, maintaining the system of checks and balances involving elected officials and the president.
The Trump administration’s move to cut spending independently of Congress has drawn criticism, with some conservatives expressing unease over decisions being made without accountability to voters. Recent developments indicate a shift in this approach, with Trump instructing Musk to only provide recommendations for government reductions and Republican senators insisting that Congress approve specific cuts through a process called recission, enabling a straightforward vote without filibustering.
While involving Congress in final decisions may introduce complexities, it aligns with the democratic process by allowing individual representatives and senators to address regional concerns. This messy but necessary process of political involvement is deemed superior to insulated decision-making in a democracy. Despite advocating for substantial cuts, some conservatives recognize the importance of persuading the American public to support such reductions, as evidenced by Congress’ hesitation to pass certain spending cuts.
Trump and his followers argue that the electorate endorsed his agenda for government reform, pointing to his electoral mandate to instigate change in Washington. Embracing a corporate-style approach to government restructuring has been a longstanding goal for conservatives, particularly in the current political climate.
Recently, there has been a call for a CEO-style leader who is less bound by democratic obligations to voters. Elon Musk has exemplified this approach, bringing the same disruptive and cost-cutting energy he applied to his private ventures. Some of his actions with DOGE coin resembled strategies he used to streamline Twitter, such as offering buyouts via email, which he called the “Fork in the Road.”
Don Moynihan, a public policy professor at the University of Michigan, believes Musk’s efforts are more than just an attempt to reduce government size as conservatives have long desired. Moynihan sees Musk as taking on Congress’ role in budgeting and program design by making cuts to eliminate and shut down agencies established by Congress, resulting in an unprecedented level of disruption.
Grover Norquist, a prominent anti-tax advocate, praised Musk’s project, suggesting that while Congress must approve actual budget decreases, he hopes that Musk’s actions will demonstrate to lawmakers that voters support government downsizing. Norquist stated that if a policy is implemented successfully for three years, Congress is likely to make it law with their approval.
Despite Norquist’s claim that the majority of Republicans back budget reductions, he acknowledged that getting such cuts passed has been challenging, even with Republican control. Over the past few decades, conservatives have pledged to reduce government spending, yet it has continued to grow. Former President Ronald Reagan aimed to shrink government but left office with an expanded bureaucracy. This trend persisted through Trump’s term and into President Biden’s tenure.
Trump, who has openly expressed his disdain for the federal government, has initiated a cost-cutting campaign through traditional means, such as the Office of Management and Budget, directing agencies to prepare for significant staff reductions. Analysts like Holtz-Eakin believe these official cuts are more likely to endure compared to Musk’s unconventional measures.
Holtz-Eakin also noted early signs of public dissatisfaction with the speed, depth, and disorderliness of the cuts, suggesting that discontent could manifest in midterm election results. Despite occasional hints at seeking a third term, Trump will not face voters again, and his unique animosity towards the federal government sets him apart from his predecessors.
