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MUSK AND RAMASWAMY’S DOGE: MASS FIRINGS, DEREGULATION, AND THE
EROSION OF FEDERAL PROTECTIONS  
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Alexis Sterling
November 21, 2024
NationofChange
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_ Critics argue that these plans will erode social safety nets,
undermine public services, and disproportionately benefit corporate
interests. _

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President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed Department of Government
Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, has unveiled
an ambitious blueprint to overhaul federal operations through sweeping
deregulation, mass firings, and severe spending cuts. Critics argue
that these plans will erode social safety nets, undermine public
services, and disproportionately benefit corporate interests.

Despite its name, DOGE is not a formal federal department but an
advisory commission. It lacks direct legal authority but wields
considerable influence under the stewardship of two high-profile Trump
allies. Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, and Ramaswamy, a biotech
entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, aim to push through
sweeping reforms aligned with small-government ideals.

Musk and Ramaswamy’s stated goal is to cut government inefficiencies
and reduce federal oversight. They have pledged to recruit “super
high-IQ small-government revolutionaries” to lead the charge.
However, watchdog groups warn that DOGE’s agenda serves as a vehicle
to dismantle federal protections while advancing corporate interests,
including Musk’s own business ventures.

Musk and Ramaswamy outlined their vision in a Wall Street Journal
op-ed, highlighting three key strategies: mass reductions in federal
workforce, regulatory rescissions, and cuts to federal spending.

DOGE’s first priority involves significant downsizing of the federal
workforce, with staff reductions tied to the elimination of
regulations. “Not only are fewer employees required to enforce fewer
regulations, but the agency would produce fewer regulations once its
scope of authority is properly limited,” the op-ed reads.

Supreme Court rulings like _West Virginia v. EPA_ and _Collins v.
Yellen_ are cited as legal precedents to justify the layoffs. The
commission also proposes reinstating in-person work requirements,
predicting that such mandates would prompt voluntary resignations
among federal employees. “If federal employees don’t want to show
up, American taxpayers shouldn’t pay them for the Covid-era
privilege of staying home,” Musk and Ramaswamy wrote.

Critics, however, warn that these cuts would cripple federal
agencies’ ability to enforce laws and deliver essential services.
Public Citizen co-president Robert Weissman described DOGE’s plan as
“a multipronged attack on any institution that seeks to constrain
big business.”

The commission aims to dismantle thousands of federal regulations,
targeting what it describes as “rules crafted by unelected
bureaucrats.” Musk and Ramaswamy argue that the president has the
executive power to nullify these regulations unilaterally.

DOGE plans to embed legal experts within federal agencies to review
existing regulations and recommend rescissions. Environmental
protections, labor laws, and financial oversight are likely to be
among the first targets. Critics argue that this deregulation benefits
corporate entities, including Musk’s companies, which face scrutiny
from multiple federal agencies for alleged violations of labor and
safety laws.

DOGE also proposes significant cuts to federal spending, targeting
over $516 billion in programs classified as “unauthorized.” These
include veterans’ healthcare, education funding, housing assistance,
and childcare programs. The commission specifically named Planned
Parenthood and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting as examples of
organizations that would lose funding.

In their op-ed, Musk and Ramaswamy suggested using executive authority
to bypass congressional restrictions and redirect funds. They claimed
these measures would address federal overspending, but critics argue
that such cuts disproportionately harm vulnerable communities.

Watchdog groups have raised concerns about the potential conflicts of
interest inherent in Musk’s leadership. Tesla, SpaceX, and other
Musk ventures could directly benefit from reduced federal oversight
and compliance costs. “Based on Elon Musk’s comments, the
so-called Department of Government Efficiency is poised to make
far-reaching recommendations that could have a devastating impact on
Americans and enormously benefit insiders, starting with Musk
himself,” Weissman said.

Beyond Musk’s personal interests, DOGE’s proposals align with a
broader GOP agenda to prioritize corporate profits over public
welfare. The dismantling of regulatory safeguards risks creating an
environment where big business operates with little accountability.

Ramaswamy’s praise for Argentine President Javier Milei’s economic
policies has drawn attention. Milei’s austerity measures have
slashed social safety nets while cutting taxes for the wealthiest
citizens, leading to a dramatic increase in poverty. Ramaswamy’s
tweet describing DOGE’s proposals as “Milei-style cuts, on
steroids” underscores the potential for similar outcomes in the
United States.

Casey Wetherbee, writing for _Jacobin_, warned that DOGE’s
recommendations could cause “temporary hardship” for American
workers while benefiting the nation’s wealthiest. “DOGE’s
relationship with the Trump administration could flame out
spectacularly,” Wetherbee wrote, but not before significant damage
is done.

Progressive lawmakers and advocacy groups have voiced strong
opposition to DOGE’s plans. They argue that mass layoffs,
deregulation, and spending cuts will harm vulnerable populations while
enriching corporate elites. Democrats have also criticized Trump for
relying on two individuals to lead DOGE, despite their lack of
government experience.

Musk and Ramaswamy, for their part, dismiss these criticisms. “We
are entrepreneurs, not politicians,” they wrote. “We will serve as
outside volunteers, not federal officials or employees. Unlike
government commissions or advisory committees, we won’t just write
reports or cut ribbons. We’ll cut costs.”

DOGE’s agenda threatens to upend federal governance, from
environmental protections to public health programs. Critics warn that
the commission’s proposals prioritize corporate profits and
austerity over the public good, risking long-term harm to the
nation’s social fabric.

“A second Trump term will undoubtedly see a multipronged attack on
any institution that seeks to constrain big business, and DOGE will
lead the charge,” said Robert Weissman.

_Alexis Sterling is a seasoned War and Human Rights Reporter with a
passion for reporting the truth in some of the world's most tumultuous
regions. With a background in journalism and a keen interest in
international affairs, Alexis's reporting is grounded in a commitment
to human rights and a deep understanding of the complexities of global
conflicts. _

_At NationofChange, our mission is to help people create a more
compassionate, responsible, and value-driven world, powered by
communities that focus on positive solutions to social and economic
problems. We strive to accomplish this mission through FEARLESS
JOURNALISM combined with BOOTS-ON-THE-GROUND ACTIVISM in order to
create real-world, actionable strategies for change._

* government regulation
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* Elon Musk
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* Vivek Ramaswamy
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