Conservatives Divided on DOGE's Budget-Cutting Efforts

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has sparked mixed reactions from conservatives who have long advocated for deep cuts to government spending. While some praise DOGE's early efforts, others express skepticism about its approach and priorities. Let's dive into the debate and explore the potential implications for DOGE's long-term viability and effectiveness.



Mixed Reviews from Conservatives

Grover Norquist, a prominent conservative and advocate for government cuts, cheered DOGE's early efforts. He believes that DOGE has already paid for itself many times over, thanks to Musk's unique access to President Trump and his millions of followers on the social media platform X. Norquist argues that DOGE's success is undeniable, regardless of the final tally of its work.

On the other hand, Jessica Riedl, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, is more critical of DOGE's early efforts. She contends that Musk's focus on satisfying Trump's culturally conservative base, rather than targeting the largest government spending sources, is counterproductive. Riedl points out that DOGE's efforts to eradicate racial and gender-based diversity, equity, and inclusion spending, as well as its encouragement for federal employees to quit in exchange for months of pay, might appeal to Trump's core supporters but would not result in significant budget savings.

Addressing Conservative Concerns

To gain broader support from conservatives and other stakeholders, DOGE should address the concerns raised by critics like Jessica Riedl. Here are some steps DOGE could take to improve its approach and credibility:

1. Target larger budget items: DOGE should present a more comprehensive plan that addresses larger budget items, such as defense spending and entitlement programs, alongside the targeted cuts. This would demonstrate a commitment to tackling the most significant spending sources and result in meaningful savings.
2. Engage in bipartisan discussions: DOGE should engage in bipartisan discussions to find common ground on budget cuts, rather than focusing solely on culturally conservative issues. This would help build consensus and ensure that DOGE's efforts are supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders.
3. Provide detailed analyses and data: DOGE should publish detailed analyses and data on the potential savings and impacts of proposed cuts to larger budget items. This would make the case for their necessity and feasibility, helping to build support for DOGE's efforts among conservatives and other stakeholders.

The Need for Substantial Cuts in Major Spending Areas

While DOGE's focus on symbolic culture war savings may appeal to Trump's base, it does not address the major spending areas that contribute significantly to the federal budget deficit. A large majority of federal spending is tied up in Medicare and Social Security, veterans benefits, defense spending, and interest on the national debt. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump insisted he would protect the two politically sacrosanct entitlement programs and expand the U.S. military, making these areas unlikely targets for cuts.

To make a meaningful impact on the budget deficit, DOGE would need to target the larger spending areas, such as defense and entitlement programs, which are currently protected by Trump's policies. By addressing these concerns and taking steps to improve transparency, accountability, and comprehensiveness, DOGE can work towards gaining broader support from conservatives and other stakeholders.

In conclusion, the mixed reviews from conservatives highlight both the potential and the challenges of DOGE's budget-cutting efforts. To maintain long-term success, DOGE should address the concerns raised by critics and demonstrate a commitment to tackling the most significant spending sources. By doing so, DOGE can build support among conservatives and other stakeholders, ultimately helping to achieve its goal of reducing the federal budget deficit.