Elon Musk's fascist symbolism isn't the issue. His fascist behavior is the issue. In a recent newsletter, I shared a clip of The xxxxxx's Tim Miller being interviewed by Piers Morgan. Miller pointed out that so much media attention on Musk's seeming Nazi gesture was a distraction from the more important issues with Musk. Into the third week of the Trump presidency, those issues are even more apparent and compounded. Musk and his DOGE team gained access to the Treasury Department's federal payments system and began shutting down programs he doesn't like. Musk, who has notoriously demonstrated pro-Putin affinities, went first after a program that hurts Putin — USAID. The Kremlin cheered. Musk may be more personally motivated in going after USAID, however. A USAID inspector general was investigating Musk's company Starlink's partnership with Ukraine. Chuck Schumer, leader of the Senate Democrats, announced this week they would introduce legislation to stop Musk. But Musk is already in violation of current law. Why does Schumer think we need new legislation for Musk to also ignore? While the opposition is just starting to put its pants on, Musk is already taking a sledgehammer to other programs he doesn't like. Musk became the richest man in the world through government contracts and now has access to the system that pays government contracts. But no worries, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said this week, because Musk will monitor himself for any conflicts of interest (video link). I'm in favor of getting rid of wasteful government spending. I'm in favor of reducing the size of the federal government.¹ I am a conservative, after all. But it needs to be done the right way. What Musk is doing is illegal and unconstitutional. Article 1, sections 8 and 9 of the US Constitution gives the power of the purse to Congress², not the president, and certainly not to an unelected "Special Government Employee" who behaves like he's co-president. Plus, Musk and his team tech bro-culture geeks, many in their 20s and one 19yo (one of whom resigned due to racist posts), have no expertise in public policy or federal budgets. They're destroying institutions and processes that have real consequences for people's lives. Here is just one example. USAID funds medical trials. People who are in the middle of these treatments suddenly had the funding cut. In addition to that funding now going to waste because the trial can't be completed, for some treatments, we're putting recipients’ health at risk. This is, of course, a "contact your congressperson" situation, but also share widely what is taking place. Share the personal stories of those affected. Share this newsletter! Our friends, family, and neighbors who get their information from a right-wing news bubble will not understand what is happening. All they see is a glorified and misinformed presentation of President Trump and “Co-President” Musk. Here are some helpful links:NBC News: “How Elon Musk boosted false USAID conspiracy theories to shut down global aid” AP: "Trump promotes misleading claims about federal government’s media subscriptions" NYT: “Abandoned in the Middle of Clinical Trials, Because of a Trump Order” (Gift Link) The Atlantic: “The Government’s Computing Experts Say They Are Terrified” (Gift Link) Yahoo News: “Elon Musk Reportedly Has a Huge Conflict of Interest Motivating Him to Gut USAID” The xxxxxx: “The Real Reason Musk Is Mad at Us” Other Helpful ReadsThe Guardian: “US immigration is gaming Google to create a mirage of mass deportations”
Link. WaPo: “Black D.C. church vandalized by Proud Boys awarded control of group’s name”
Christianity Today: “When ICE Comes to Church”
Link. Lifeway Research: “Evangelicals Want Secure Borders and Citizenship Pathway for Immigrants”
Link. Applications Open: J29 for 2025!Pastors, Have you seen your community and congregation divided over politics? We understand the struggles you face and are here to help. In today's hyper-polarized world, guiding your congregation through the complexities of politics while keeping Jesus at the center feels like an uphill battle. J29 Coalition is here to help. We are now taking applications for this year’s J29 cohort, a 3-month program starting in September. This cohort provides encouragement, support, and a vision for your congregation’s future as you navigate the choppy waters of 2025 and beyond. You’ll gain practical tools, a community of trusted leaders, and a renewed confidence to faithfully disciple your church in kingdom-shaped politics—putting Jesus above partisanship. For a quick overview, watch this: 1 I also supported giving the president a line-item veto, which was passed by a Republican Congress during the Clinton administration before getting struck down by the Supreme Court. 2 Congress clarified and reasserted its budgetary authority with passage of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. American Values Coalition is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell American Values Coalition that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won't be charged unless they enable payments. |