Trump’s DOGE push finds support from some Democrats on Capitol Hill
4 min read
Elon Musk’s advocacy for drastic cuts in government spending is attracting unexpected support from some Democrats, as they find common ground with a Republican-led initiative designed to overhaul federal bureaucracy. Musk, along with Vivek Ramaswamy, co-leads the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and the department has already garnered the backing of key Democratic figures like Rep. Jared Moskowitz, Rep. Ro Khanna, and even Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Rep. Moskowitz, a Democrat from Florida, has voiced support for proposals to make the Secret Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) independent federal agencies that report directly to the White House. This idea has garnered bipartisan backing and aligns with the efficiency-driven objectives of DOGE. Meanwhile, Sen. Sanders and Rep. Khanna are focusing their efforts on slashing the Pentagon budget, citing ongoing audits that have failed to track how military funds are being spent. These efforts to cut wasteful spending and dismantle inefficient federal bureaucracy are forming the foundation of DOGE’s agenda, which Trump hopes will facilitate an unlikely coalition of bipartisan support on Capitol Hill.
Despite this rare alignment, the initiative faces challenges from both sides of the aisle. While some Democrats and Republicans alike recognize the potential for reducing government waste, there are concerns that the push to overhaul government could quickly devolve into partisan conflict. Some lawmakers worry that the proposed cuts may target crucial programs like Medicare and Social Security, areas where many Democrats remain steadfast in their opposition to cuts.
However, Moskowitz’s involvement signals that some Democrats are eager to engage in discussions on government efficiency without committing to every aspect of the proposed reforms. Democratic lawmakers are positioning themselves to engage in the conversation about overhauling government, but they are also keeping a careful eye on Republicans to ensure that essential social safety nets are not sacrificed.
The House Oversight Committee, led by GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, has created a subcommittee that will collaborate directly with DOGE. While Greene’s involvement may present obstacles for some Democrats, Moskowitz has expressed reluctance to be part of any effort led by the controversial Congresswoman, who has been a polarizing figure in recent years. Moskowitz has made it clear that he does not intend to align with Greene’s faction, which could complicate efforts to bridge partisan divides in the House.
There is also growing skepticism about the DOGE initiative, particularly among Republican appropriators, who support the idea of reducing government waste but caution against making arbitrary cuts. Some Republicans worry that pushing through deep budget cuts without fully understanding the impact on various government functions could lead to unintended consequences. A source close to the discussions mentioned that a more thoughtful approach is necessary to ensure the proposed reforms don’t harm critical programs or services.
Despite these concerns, there are signs that the DOGE initiative is gaining momentum. The Senate has launched its own DOGE caucus, and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is working closely with Musk and Ramaswamy to organize joint meetings with lawmakers. These meetings, scheduled for Thursday, aim to chart a path forward for both the House and Senate DOGE caucuses, with the goal of aligning their work with the broader objectives of the Trump administration.
Although Sanders has declined to join the DOGE caucus, he has expressed his support for Musk’s focus on reducing waste in the Defense Department. Sanders emphasized the need to tackle inefficiency in military spending, stating that he would collaborate with Musk on areas where positive change can be made.
On the Republican side, Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming praised the DOGE initiative as one of the most exciting developments in government reform in decades. Lummis, who is a member of the Senate DOGE caucus, believes that the department could become a key part of Trump’s vision for his second term in office. She has high hopes for the reforms that Musk and Ramaswamy will push forward.
Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee is in the process of selecting a new leader, as Rep. Jamie Raskin shifts his focus to the Judiciary Committee. The committee’s Democratic leadership is waiting for clarity on the leadership race before deciding how to approach the subcommittee’s work, especially given the contentious nature of Greene’s role.
While Trump’s DOGE initiative is gaining traction among some Democrats and Republicans, it remains to be seen whether it can navigate the complexities of bipartisan cooperation. The coming months will likely reveal how effective the new department can be in reducing waste and streamlining government, and whether it can avoid becoming a divisive issue in an already polarized Congress.
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