Post Reports The unchecked power of Musk and DOGE
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Feb 4, 2025 
Fez Siddiqui, a business reporter at The Washington Post, dives into Elon Musk's creation of the Department of Government Efficiency. They discuss Musk's controversial influence on federal agencies and his aggressive tactics reminiscent of his Twitter management. Siddiqui raises legal and ethical questions surrounding Musk's control of sensitive government decisions. The conversation also touches on critiques of USAID and Musk's ambitions for reducing government oversight to boost space exploration. It's a riveting look at the intersection of tech, power, and public policy.
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Twitter Playbook
- At Twitter, Musk drastically cut staff by 80% and paused vendor payments.
- He's applying a similar "slash-and-burn" approach to the federal government.
Musk's Power Grab
- Musk's influence grew rapidly within the government due to his position in the USDS.
- This allows him to impact financials, space usage, and the federal workforce.
Financial and Space Control
- Control over finances and space usage is crucial for reshaping the federal government.
- Musk aims to cut trillions from the budget, and these areas offer key leverage.