The Rachel Maddow Show Busted: DOGE humiliated by brutal fact-checking, walks back bogus savings claims
35 snips
Feb 26, 2025 Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, discusses the fallout from Elon Musk's DOGE team's exaggerated savings claims, which were dismantled by journalistic fact-checking. They dive into the legal troubles surrounding the Trump administration's funding freeze and a federal judge's order to resume aid. The conversation highlights the chaotic implications of budget cuts on federal workers and the ethical concerns surrounding immigration policies. Levin emphasizes the vital role of grassroots movements in holding political leaders accountable during these tumultuous times.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
DOGE’s Wall of Lies
- The Trump administration faced humiliation after a judge ordered them to restore foreign aid funding.
- Minutes later, the New York Times reported that Doge removed false savings claims from its website.
Inflated Savings
- Doge’s “wall of receipts” contained significant errors, including an $8 billion ICE cut that was actually $8 million.
- Three $655 million USAID cuts were a single $18 million cut counted thrice.
More Math Problems
- A $232 million Social Security Administration cut was actually a $560,000 project.
- Even after corrections, Doge added a $1.9 billion Treasury cut that occurred during the Biden administration.