The Story Elon Musk's 'hostile takeover' of Washington
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Feb 17, 2025 Hugh Tomlinson, a seasoned Washington reporter for The Times and The Sunday Times, delves into Elon Musk's unexpected role in government under Trump. They discuss Musk's aggressive cost-cutting moves, including massive layoffs and a chilling halt to international aid. The podcast reveals how Musk's unregulated authority might trigger a constitutional crisis. Tomlinson also highlights tensions between the executive branch and judiciary, especially regarding education reforms and the precarious state of civil servant job security.
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Oval Office Antics
- During a press conference, Elon Musk's son sat on his shoulders, playing and seemingly wiping a bogey on the Resolute Desk.
- The son also told President Trump to "shush", creating a surreal atmosphere.
Misrepresented USAID Spending
- DOGE claimed USAID spent $50 million on condoms for Gaza, alleging it funded Hamas.
- This was debunked; the funds went to Mozambique's Gaza province for HIV prevention.
DOGE's Unconventional Formation
- DOGE's creation involved a Post-it note on a White House door and Musk's team's subsequent access requests at agencies.
- Musk's team, including young "tech bros", some with questionable pasts, raised concerns within the government.