Summary
Elon Musk claims his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is shutting down payments to federal contractors, including a Lutheran charity, asserting it is eliminating corruption.
This suggests DOGE has access to Treasury’s payment systems, though officials have not confirmed the extent.
Senator Ron Wyden warned that DOGE may interfere with Social Security, Medicare, and government contracts.
Musk also called USAID “a criminal organization” that should “die,” amid DOGE’s growing influence over federal financial operations.
“I want to have a better life” does not encapsulate their zero sum game way of thinking. They ignore the possibility of a rising tide lifting all boats. It’s more appropriate to say “I want a better life than everyone I don’t like (our group).” Conservatives create an in group and out group that drives much of their agenda.