Uncanny Valley | WIRED Why Elon Musk Has Wanted the Government Shutdown
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Mar 12, 2025 Leah Feiger, Senior Editor at WIRED, and Emily Mullin, a WIRED reporter covering health misinformation, explore the unexpected reasons behind Elon Musk's support for a government shutdown. They delve into the potential fallout for federal employees and the intriguing political dynamics involved. Transitioning to health, they discuss the concerning rise in measles cases in the U.S., fueled by misinformation, stressing the urgent need for vaccinations and community education to prevent outbreaks.
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Musk's Shutdown Motivation
- Elon Musk desires a government shutdown, contradicting Trump's public stance.
- This is because a shutdown can facilitate the elimination of federal jobs.
Shutdown Impact on Workers
- Government shutdowns classify employees as essential or non-essential.
- Non-essential employees, like scientists and park rangers, face furloughs.
Furloughs and RIFs
- Furloughed employees may not receive pay until the shutdown ends.
- After 30 days, a furlough can trigger a Reduction in Force (RIF), potentially leading to job losses.