Cato Podcast The Rise and Fall of DOGE 1.0
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Jul 10, 2025 Dive into the rollercoaster of Doge 1.0 during the Trump administration. Experts discuss the ambitious overhaul led by Elon Musk and the chaos that ensued. Discover the challenges of federal budget cuts and the clash over diversity programs. The podcast also critiques the tangled relationships between tech leaders and Congress. Reflect on the disillusionment within libertarians post-Trump, all while pondering the future of Doge 2.0 and the quest for efficient government amid laughter and insightful anecdotes.
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Doge 1.0’s Turbulent Leadership
- Elon Musk and his team shook up the federal government with chaotic reforms in Doge 1.0 under Trump.
- Key figures like Steve Davis and Edward Corristine left, marking a major transition for Doge.
Doge’s Fiscal Impact Is Minimal
- Despite some cuts and reforms, Doge's impact on the federal budget is minimal compared to the $7 trillion total.
- The lack of clear baseline and shifting promises make it hard to assess Doge's true effectiveness.
Cutting Headcount Isn't Enough
- Doge reduced federal headcount significantly, but big parts of the budget like entitlements and defense are untouched.
- These untouched sectors make deep government cuts nearly impossible without Congressional cooperation.