More or Less: Behind the Stats
DOGE, apples and irregular migrants
Mar 12, 2025
The podcast tackles the intriguing claims surrounding the Department of Government Efficiency, debunking exaggerated fraud narratives. It dives deep into the surprising carbon footprint of New Zealand apples versus British ones, highlighting agricultural efficiency. Listeners learn about the reliability of migration statistics, specifically the claim about illegal immigrants in London, and uncover shocking errors in social security payments. Plus, the show critiques the impact of private school fees on inflation, emphasizing the importance of accurate data in social discourse.
28:37
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Quick takeaways
- The establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency aimed to save $2 trillion annually, yet feasibility concerns were raised about drastic budget cuts.
- The VAT on private school fees had a minimal inflation impact, showing how minority spending can still significantly affect broader economic metrics.
Deep dives
Government Efficiency and Budget Cuts
The establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency intends to cut government spending by as much as $2 trillion annually through various budget cuts and fraud claims. However, expert Linda Bilmez, who previously balanced the U.S. budget, suggests such drastic cuts may not be feasible without extreme measures. The administration claimed notable savings, including halting $50 million previously earmarked for Gaza, which was later disputed as being intended for field hospitals instead of condoms. This instance demonstrated a significant discrepancy between claimed and actual expenditures, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the reported financial efficiencies.
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