Exclusive | Mike Pence group pushes Musk, Ramaswamy to have DOGE end handouts for…
WASHINGTON — Former Vice President Mike Pence’s group has urged Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the co-heads of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to significantly reduce government spending. Their proposals include eliminating financial assistance for illegal migrants and banning funds allocated for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, according to a memo obtained exclusively.
Advancing American Freedom has prompted DOGE leaders to streamline federal bureaucracy and cut down numerous expensive spending programs enacted during President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ administration, notably elements of the $740 billion Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
“The American people want less government in their lives and want the government to spend less of their money on wasteful and woke programs,” stated AAF President Tim Chapman. “Advancing American Freedom aims to aid DOGE in enhancing the lives of everyday Americans by cutting through the overwhelming maze of bureaucracy and ensuring the government is accountable for how taxpayer money is spent.”
The memo advocates for discontinuing federal benefit programs designed to support illegal immigrants, forbidding federal funding for initiatives that advance DEI, and recapturing unspent COVID-19 funding.
Additionally, it encourages Republicans to repeal the “Green New Deal” provisions found in the IRA, halt the cancellation of hundreds of billions of dollars in student debt initiated by Biden’s Education Department, and restore non-defense spending to pre-COVID levels. A traditional GOP priority highlighted includes the mandate for all able-bodied workers to exit welfare programs.
Musk and Ramaswamy visited Washington to share their ambitious budget-cutting strategies with GOP lawmakers, many of whom have welcomed their initiatives. DOGE, named after the popular cryptocurrency featuring a Shiba Inu mascot, focuses on eliminating redundant government agencies and dismissing ineffective government employees.
“We need to ensure that we are wisely spending public money,” Musk shared with reporters after a meeting with soon-to-be Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD).
While a significant portion of congressional Republicans favors a smaller federal government, DOGE may face challenges in reducing budgets if only a handful of dissenting GOP members voice their opposition.
“Two individuals, lacking real government experience, claiming they can cut a trillion dollars, both having strong voices and access to a fluctuating president? That’s a disaster,” commented a senior Republican aide. “The only silver lining is that they will likely overpromise and be sidelined by Trump in due course. But until then … it’s a disaster.”
Nevertheless, their proposals have been positively received by Republican legislators. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has introduced legislation to support DOGE’s initiatives.
During an interview, House Speaker Mike Johnson was asked about implementing Musk’s plan to reduce the number of government agencies from 428 to 99. “We certainly hope so; we want to be enthusiastic partners in that,” Johnson replied, highlighting the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the 1984 Chevron doctrine earlier this year as a sign of reclaiming control from ineffective federal regulations.
“It’s a new era, a new day in Washington and America. We have long criticized the size and effect of government – that it has grown too large,” Johnson asserted to reporters Thursday. “There’s an enormous amount of waste, fraud and abuse.”
Musk has maintained a close relationship with Trump at Mar-a-Lago following the latter’s re-election, providing advice on transition strategies and participating in discussions with foreign dignitaries.
The DOGE initiative represents a logical step in the collaboration between these business leaders, emphasizing their disdain for government excess and inefficiency—just as Musk did when he restructured Twitter, now known as X, by significantly reducing its workforce.
“It’s a refreshing concept where government will actually work better, ensuring that taxpayer contributions are maximized,” stated House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” prior to meeting Musk and Ramaswamy. “Many federal employees in Washington still do not report to work, citing COVID as their excuse.”
Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) expressed skepticism about the entrenched government system on social media, looking forward to learning from Musk and Ramaswamy during their meeting on Capitol Hill.
Ramaswamy has built his political campaign on critiquing unelected, intrusive government officials and plans to continue in this direction if he assumes a role in the next Trump administration. “I’m committed to dismantling bureaucracy,” he remarked, emphasizing his ongoing passion for streamlining government operations.
