Elaine Kamarck

Elaine Kamark, a Brookings Institution expert and former leader of the National Performance Review, dives into the challenges of shrinking the federal workforce. She reflects on past efforts under the Clinton administration, revealing that significant savings often come from reforming outdated practices rather than just cutting jobs. The discussion also highlights how job cuts could impact public safety and the overall efficiency of government operations, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation in meaningful reform.

Dr. Elaine Kamarck, the founding director at the Brookings Institution and key leader of the Clinton-era National Performance Review, revisits the push to make government more efficient. She discusses the parallels between her work in the '90s and the current efforts surrounding the Department of Government Efficiency. The conversation highlights the complexities of federal budget management, the symbolic hurdles of reform, and the critical need for strategic communication and cooperation among government employees to achieve meaningful change.

Elaine Kamarck, a Senior Fellow at Brookings with expertise in presidential transitions, and Katie Tenpas, a Visiting Fellow and director of the Katzmann Initiative, discuss the critical nature of smooth presidential transitions. They examine historical challenges, especially from the contentious 2020 election, and highlight new legal reforms to improve the process. The conversation also touches on how national security considerations intertwine with upcoming political shifts, stressing the significance of well-prepared leadership in turbulent times.