Donald Trump and Elon Musk are making deep budget cuts across the U.S. government, leading to legal and political battles. Experts and officials warn these cuts threaten democracy by reducing oversight and ignoring legal procedures.
Digital Worldwide News
February 18, 2024
Former U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk are making aggressive cuts to federal agencies, leading to accusations that they are exceeding their power. Experts say their actions threaten democracy and violate legal procedures.
Trump has signed multiple executive orders to reduce spending and increase his authority. Musk, appointed to lead the new "Department of Government Efficiency" (Doge), has slashed jobs and cut regulations. Many say these moves weaken oversight and harm government operations.
Several Democratic attorneys general and legal experts argue that Trump and Musk are ignoring legal requirements. They point to Trump’s sudden firing of 17 inspectors general (IGs), officials responsible for preventing fraud and waste. These firings violated the rule that Congress must receive a 30-day notice.
Eight fired IGs have filed a lawsuit demanding reinstatement. Former Defense Department IG Robert Storch called Trump’s actions a "direct attack on accountability."
Musk has also faced backlash for gaining access to sensitive government data, including social security and tax refund details. Nineteen attorneys general sued Trump and the Treasury Secretary to stop Doge from accessing this information. A judge temporarily blocked Doge from using federal payment systems.
Both Trump and Musk have criticized judges who ruled against them. Musk called one judge "corrupt" and said he "needs to be impeached." Trump echoed this sentiment, saying courts should not block their cost-cutting plans.
Former federal prosecutor Barbara McQuade warned that attacking judges undermines trust in the legal system. "If people don’t respect the courts, they won’t follow the law," she said.
Despite legal battles, Trump expanded Musk’s authority through a new executive order. It requires all federal agencies to coordinate with Doge on job cuts. Agencies must reduce hiring and prepare for mass layoffs.
Critics argue Musk’s role is a conflict of interest. His companies, Tesla and SpaceX, receive federal contracts while he influences government policy. Legal experts warn that Trump is giving Musk unchecked power in exchange for financial and political support.
As lawsuits continue, the future of these cost-cutting measures remains uncertain.