Exploring the Meme Phenomenon and Its Governmental Implications

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and special guest Christian Britschgi assess the first steps taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut government spending and slash federal agencies.

01:52—DOGE vs. the Deep State

39:50—Weekly listener question

46:50—Lightning round: Gaza takeover, RFK Jr. confirmation, President Donald Trump sues CBS

55:28—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Will Elon Musk Cut as Much Government as Al Gore Did?" by Joe Lancaster

"5 of the Worst USAID Scandals in History," by Matthew Petti

"Has DOGE Already Lost Its Way?" by Eric Boehm

"John Cochrane: How Will DOGE 'Disrupt' the Government?" by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe

"USAID Paying for Politico Is a Nontroversy," by Robby Soave

"America Is Going Broke. Will the Department of Government Efficiency Help?" by John Stossel

"The Freakout Over 'Big Balls' and DOGE," by Liz Wolfe

"Trump's Middle East Policy: Pull Troops Out of Syria To Put Them in Gaza?" by Matthew Petti

"Riviera of the Middle East," by Liz Wolfe

"Just Asking Questions About RFK Jr.'s Senate Hearing," by Ronald Bailey

"We Don't Need RFK Jr. To 'Make America Healthy Again,'" by Kelvey Vander Hart

"Trump Is Flat-Out Lying About the 60 Minutes Interview With Harris," by Jacob Sullum

"How the FCC's 'Warrior for Free Speech' Became Our Censor in Chief," by Joe Lancaster

Reason Speakeasy: Brian Doherty, February 27, 2025

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• Are you a student looking for a transformative opportunity that supports the foundations of a free society? Reliance College invites students aged 16 to 24 to the 2025 Great Connections Seminar in Chicago, from July 26th to August 2nd. This year's theme, "Reason and Free Will," dives into timeless ideas from writers such as Thomas Jefferson, Ayn Rand, and Aristotle. Students sharpen critical thinking in small, dynamic groups, developing the intellectual tools needed to thrive in a free society. Outside the classroom, they'll explore Chicago's vibrant culture—touring museums, trying improv comedy, and building lifelong connections. Parents, this program equips students to think, reason, and act independently. Go to reliancecollege.org/reason to learn more and apply. Early registration is just $400 before March 1st, including room and board, with scholarships available. Don't miss out! Visit www.reliancecollege.org/reason to learn more and apply.
• What impact will you make with your charitable giving this year? Giving can feel complicated—lots of receipts, juggling different organizations, and trying to keep all the details straight. DonorsTrust simplifies all of that. With a donor-advised fund from DonorsTrust, you can streamline your giving and even maximize your tax savings. Unlike some donor-advised funds that don't respect your libertarian principles, DonorsTrust is proudly dedicated to advancing a free society, protecting your charitable intent, and championing individual liberty and free markets. And here's what's great: DonorsTrust takes care of the details. It's private, secure, and managed by a team that shares your principles. You can focus on making a difference, not on managing paperwork. With DonorsTrust, it's Your Vision. Your Values. Your Impact. Discover a better way to give. Visit DonorsTrust.org/Reason to get started today.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post DOGE vs. Deep State appeared first on Reason.com.