Aaron Bean, a Congressman from Florida and founder of the Congressional Doge Caucus, dives into the exciting formation of DOGE, aimed at improving government efficiency and tackling wasteful spending. He discusses bipartisan support for these reforms amid a soaring national debt. Joining him is Matt Barnum, a Wall Street Journal education reporter, who explores Trump’s proposed changes to the Department of Education, emphasizing decentralization and parental control, while shedding light on future challenges for education policy amid political shifts.
The establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Musk and Ramaswamy aims to reduce federal spending and address inefficiencies.
Linda McMahon's potential tenure as Secretary of Education under Trump may promote state control and school choice, though practical implementation will depend on Congress.
Deep dives
Record Debt and Government Spending Issues
The national debt has reached a staggering $36 trillion, raising concerns about government efficiency and spending practices. Critics highlight absurd expenditures, such as $1.5 million for studying yoga on goats and $1.7 billion for maintaining empty federal buildings, calling for swift action to curb wasteful spending. The recent push for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), co-led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, aims to bring much-needed scrutiny to federal financial practices. Supporters believe that even small cuts could lead to significant savings, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the national debt long-term.
The Role and Challenges of the New Department of Government Efficiency
The DOGE initiative seeks to tackle inefficiencies within government but faces challenges due to its necessity for congressional approval for substantial reforms. Members of Congress, including those from both parties, express optimism about the potential for substantial savings and efficiency. However, the proposed cuts may require difficult negotiations around popular programs like Social Security and Medicare, which have largely been exempted from the conversation. The establishment of the DOGE caucus signals a collaborative effort to pursue actionable reforms, though the pathway to success may be tumultuous.
Implications for Education Policy under New Leadership
Linda McMahon's appointment as Secretary of Education under President-elect Trump raises questions about the future of federal education policy, particularly as Trump previously suggested eliminating the department. While the promise of increased school choice and flexibility is highlighted, the practicalities of implementing such changes hinge on congressional action, which can be contentious. The focus on educational spending underscores the significance of managing resources efficiently and ensuring accountability in taxpayer-funded programs. As the administration sets out to shift control back to states, the dialogue surrounding educational equity and parental rights will remain a focal point of discussion.
DOGE, or the Department of Government Efficiency, slated to be run by Trump allies Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, has begun making waves through Washington. Musk and Ramaswamy have already begun putting out preliminary plans for how they might tighten up federal spending to slash the deficit. Even those not known to be fans of the Trump administration, like Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), are conceding that this new department could be a step in the right direction. Congressman Aaron Bean (R-FL) joins the Rundown to explain why he and other Americans are excited for DOGE to get to work targeting government inefficiencies and wasteful spending.
President-elect Trump has announced intentions to appoint former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education. McMahon previously served on the Connecticut State Board of Education for two years before resigning to run for the Senate, a bid she attempted unsuccessfully twice. Wall Street Journal education reporter Matt Barnum joins to explore what the Department of Education could look like under President Trump, as well as the GOP's plan to transfer power back to the states.
Plus, commentary from the host of “Tomi Lahren is Fearless on Outkick,” Tomi Lahren.