Members phkrause Posted February 10 Members Posted February 10 The Elite Lawyers Working for Elon Musk’s DOGE Include Former Supreme Court Clerks As members of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency have fanned out across the government in recent days, attention has focused on the young Silicon Valley engineers who are wielding immense power in the new administration. https://www.propublica.org/article/elon-musk-doge-lawyers-supreme-court? Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
Members phkrause Posted February 10 Author Members Posted February 10 Elon Musk’s DOGE Is Expected to Examine Another Treasury System Next Week After creating an uproar last week for demanding access to a sensitive system at the Treasury Department, officials affiliated with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency are expected to turn their attention to another restricted database next week, according to two people with knowledge of their plans. https://www.propublica.org/article/elon-musk-doge-cars-treasury-examine? Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
bonnie1962 Posted February 11 Posted February 11 I don't know how much of the following is true but if only a very small portion is and the american people stand for it,we will get exactly what we deserve USAID funding ‘waste and abuse’ sparks support to ‘Shut it Down!’ https://www.rsbnetwork.com/news/usaid-funding-waste-and-abuse-sparks-support-to-shut-it-down/ $32,000 for a Peruvian transgender comic book $47,000 for a Columbian transgender opera $1.5 million to advance Serbian workforce Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs $2 million for Guatemalan LGBT activism and sex changes $5 million for the Wuhan lab in China (where COVID likely originated) $6.3 million to gay men in South Africa who want to sleep with other men $10 million to feed an al Qaeda-linked terrorist group $20 million linked to the Russiagate impeachment hoax Americans did not sign up for Gain of Function research to develop viruses that can kill people. Americans didn't sign up to feed terrorists. And Americans definitely didn't sign up to support Democrats who lie to try and remove political opponents through dirty false investigations. What else has USAID funded? Over 8 million to Politico? So much for a "free press." I guess being a fascist left-wing arm of Democrat officials is "news" now? The news recently broke that 8% of BBC funding came from USAID. Why the hell were Americans paying for the British propaganda network? This is globalism at its worst. Americans believe in helping others. For too long we have been robbed by USAID and other wings of the federal government under the guise that our tax dollars were going to save "starving children" in impoverished areas. Maybe that's why so many American government organizations pushed the "starving children" narrative. Because it makes us want to give. Because we're generally good people. But instead of feeding starving children, USAID was feeding the terrorists who kill them. And for what? So they could have gay sexcapades in South Africa on our dollar? Every American should take a stand. We don't need a refund, we need retribution. It's time to litigate. It's time to shut USAID down and prosecute everyone who stole. It's also well past time to ask yourself: Should I even pay taxes this year? https://www.rsbnetwork.com/news/usaid-funding-waste-and-abuse-sparks-support-to-shut-it-down/ Quote
bonnie1962 Posted February 11 Posted February 11 Really?? Maybe Musk is onto something How the US Spent $4.1 Billion on Global LGBT … Nov 7, 2023 · From Oct. 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2023, the U.S. government issued more than 1,100 grants to fund LGBT-promoting projects around the world, according to a review of a federal spending website. The scope of projects … Quote
bonnie1962 Posted February 11 Posted February 11 My personal favorite is the fighting hamsters 11 Bizarre Things the U.S. Government Actually Spent Money On By Marissa Laliberte Updated on Apr. 21, 2024 Do you know where your tax dollars are going? Now Trending 1 / 11hasky2/Shutterstock “Camouflage” that sticks out The Pentagon was criticized in June 2017 for spending $28 million on licensing fees for the lush green pattern on Afghan National Army uniforms. The problem: Afghanistan is 98 percent desert, so the bright color would stand out—not what you’re looking for in camo. Picking a different color (say, one of the many others the government already has the right to and aren’t already used by American forces), plus making alterations like swapping pricy zippers for cheap buttons, would save taxpayers between $68.6 million and $71.2 million over the course of a decade, according to a government report. 2 / 11 Oleggg/shutterstock Paying hipsters to stop smoking When the NIH figured anti-smoking ads weren’t resonating with young adults, they decided to go straight to the source. That’s right: hipsters. Or as the Commune project called them, “a group focused on the alternative music scene, local artists and designers, and eclectic self-expression.” The campaign spent $5 million in federal cash on Commune-branded beer koozies and other swag, smoke-free events featuring indie bands, artist-designed flyers, and more. Another initiative involved paying hipster smokers $100 to kick the habit and blog about quitting. The hope was that the influencers would spread the anti-smoking message to their friends and make smoking uncool. 3 / 11 Sex, drugs, and… quails The government spent at least $518,000 in federal grants to study how cocaine affects the sexual behavior of Japanese quails. Sounds pretty outlandish, but the researchers had their reasons. They were trying to look at how cocaine abuse affected risky sexual behaviors in humans, and the sex habits of quails are easy to measure in a lab setting. 4 / 11 Hamster fights For more than 20 years, Northwestern University researchers received National Institutes of Health money to watch hamster fights. The project reportedly received more than $3 million over the course of the project and $306,000 in 2015 alone. Some of those experiments involved injecting hamsters with steroids, then putting another hamster in the cage to see if the drugged rodents were more aggressive when protecting their territory. Others investigated whether becoming a “trained fighter” through two weeks of face-offs made the critters more aggressive. The experiments stopped after animal activists pressured the lab to cut the program. 5 / 11 Ppictures/Shutterstock Empty buildings Some old schools, firehouses, offices, and more aren’t being used anymore, but the government still holds onto them—about 770,000 unused and underused buildings nationwide, as of 2016. The thing is, those buildings don’t just sit there innocently; even empty, they require maintenance such as basic power, a mowed lawn, and pipes that won’t freeze. Those costs add up, to the tune of about $1.7 billion every year, according to NPR. Advertisement 6 / 11Nirat.pix/Shutterstock Printing documents no one reads Although the Federal Register—a daily document that outlines government proposals, decisions, meetings, and more—could theoretically make money through its $929 annual subscriptions, a good deal of the copies are unread. Every member of Congress automatically receives a new copy every day, even though the contents are available for free (and searchable) online. A bill considered in 2017 estimated $1 million a year in savings by stopping the government from automatically printing the Federal Register every day. 7 / 11 AP/REX/Shutterstock Digitized Grateful Dead memorabilia Some cheered and others scratched their heads when the Institute of Museum and Library Services gave the University of California–Santa Cruz $615,175 in 2009 to digitize its collection of tickets, photos, T-shirts, and other memorabilia donated by the band, scholars, and fans. You can still view the online collection of more than 50,000 items on the university library’s site. 8 / 11 mervas/Shutterstock Forgotten storage A 2011 report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration found that the International Revenue Service spent quite a bit of money on unused items in storage. After accounting for the items that had been used within a year and a half, the report estimated the IRS spent $862,000 in unnecessary warehouse space every year 9 / 11James R. Martin/Shutterstock Pancake house The International House of Pancakes got some American love when $500,000 of a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant went to build an IHOP in a Washington, DC, neighborhood. But no, this wasn’t about members of Congress getting a new place to eat a short stack; the initiative was to create 70 full-time jobs for low-income workers who qualified for government financial assistance. 10 / 11 Brocreative/Shutterstock Super Bowl ad With 2015’s Super Bowl XLIX taking the crown as the most-watched program in U.S. TV history, it’s no surprise that even a short ad costs a pretty penny. That’s why the U.S. Census Bureau came under fire in 2010 for using $2.5 million in taxpayer money to run a 30-second ad. The bureau stood by its decision, arguing that for every 1 percent increase in mail-in responses it received, it would save $85 million sending workers door-to-door to collect information. 11 / 11 Syda Productions/Shutterstock Holograms of dead comedians The National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York received more than $4.3 million from New York state, plus another $1.7 million in federal grants. The immersive museum will feature a look back at influential comedians—including via holograms showing off classic comedians in their heyday. Jamestown native Lucille Ball is among the comics celebrated at the museum. Advertisement Quote
Members phkrause Posted February 13 Author Members Posted February 13 Hegseth's DOGE dreams Axios' Zachary Basu traveled with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aboard his C-17 from Joint Base Andrews on a weeklong swing to Germany, Belgium and Poland. STUTTGART, GERMANY — The Pentagon plans to welcome Elon Musk and "the keen eye of DOGE" to scrutinize its spending "very soon," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Axios' Zachary Basu on the SecDef's first overseas trip since taking office. Why it matters: At more than $890 billion, the Pentagon's budget is a behemoth — accounting for roughly half of the U.S. government's discretionary spending this fiscal year. It's also a black box: The sprawling Defense Department has failed its annual audit seven years in a row, including this past December. Contrary to DOGE's downsizing goals, President Trump actually wants to increase defense spending — but believes Musk and his team can help salvage and redirect "billions of dollars" of inefficiencies in the military. 👂 What we're hearing: "There is waste, redundancies, and headcounts at headquarters that need to be addressed. There's just no doubt," Hegseth told Axios outside U.S. Africa Command here on Tuesday. A fierce proponent of "getting back to basics," Hegseth pointed to spending on dealing with climate change — prioritized as a national security threat by the Biden administration — as a clear target for cost-cutting. "The Defense Department is not in the business of ... solving the global thermostat. We're in the business of deterring and winning wars," the former Fox News host and Army combat veteran told Axios. Between the lines: Trump and Hegseth haven't acknowledged public concerns about letting Musk — whose companies have billions of dollars in Pentagon contracts — into the heart of the military-industrial complex. But Hegseth did downplay the notion that Musk would exercise unilateral authority at the Pentagon, as critics allege the billionaire has done at other agencies targeted by DOGE. "We'll do it in coordination. We're not going to do things that are to the detriment of American operational or tactical capabilities," Hegseth said. He later encountered a small crowd of protesters — mostly military families and teachers who booed and chanted "DEI" — before his meetings at U.S. European Command. Hegseth, following Trump's lead, has targeted diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at the Pentagon. At an AFRICOM town hall, Hegseth was grilled by service members on Trump's executive order banning trans people from the military and pausing gender reassignment procedures. This week he directed the military to stop recruiting trans people. What to watch: Today, Hegseth will become the first senior Trump official to visit NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, where defense ministers are anxiously waiting to hear the administration's plans for ending the war in Ukraine. Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
Members phkrause Posted February 13 Author Members Posted February 13 ⛈️ DOGE targets FEMA, NOAA Photo illustration: Maura Losch/Axios. Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images. Elon Musk's budgetary chainsaw is looming over U.S. disaster prediction and response agencies — just as climate change is making certain types of extreme weather events more common and intense, Axios' Andrew Freedman writes. Why it matters: The prospect of cutting FEMA — possibly entirely — and slashing NOAA's budget and mission amid a parade of climate disasters could have big consequences. Zoom in: After scrutinizing NOAA, members of the Musk-led DOGE team have reportedly turned their attention to examining FEMA's programs and IT systems, The Washington Post reports (gift link). The disaster management agency, part of the Homeland Security Department, has been in the crosshairs since staff were accused of avoiding giving aid to Republicans in the wake of Hurricane Helene. President Trump posted on Truth Social yesterday that "FEMA should be terminated." Trump envisions states taking the lead in responding to their own disasters. 🥊 Reality check: Most states lack the resources to respond on their own to major disasters — including conducting lengthy rebuilding projects. Red states could be hit the hardest. Texas, Louisiana and Florida received the most FEMA direct assistance since 2015, data shows. Keep reading ... Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
Members phkrause Posted February 13 Author Members Posted February 13 Musk appears at White House defending DOGE’s work but acknowledging mistakes President Donald Trump’s most powerful adviser, Elon Musk, appeared at the White House on Tuesday to defend the swift and extensive cuts he’s pushing across the federal government while acknowledging there have been mistakes and there will be more. Trump signed an executive order to expand Musk’s influence and continue downsizing the federal workforce. Read more. Why this matters: Musk defended DOGE’s work as “common sense” and “not draconian or radical.” He also claimed that DOGE’s work was being shared on its website and on X, the social media platform he owns. However, the DOGE website has no information, and the postings on X often lack details, including which programs are being cut and where the organization has access. Despite concerns that he’s amassing unaccountable power with little transparency, Musk described himself as an open book as he took questions from reporters for the first time since joining the Trump administration. Musk acknowledged that some of the claims he’s made about government programs have been wrong. “Some of the things that I say will be incorrect and should be corrected. So nobody can bat 1,000,” he said. He promised that he would act quickly to correct errors, and acknowledged that DOGE could be making errors as well. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ BREAKING: Russian citizen freed in US in exchange for Moscow’s release of American Marc Fogel White House fires USAID inspector general after warning about funding oversight, officials say DOGE cuts $900 million from agency that tracks American students’ academic progress WATCH: Speaker Johnson says courts should 'take a step back' and allow Musk's DOGE plan to slash government Appeals court rejects Trump administration push to reinstate spending freezes on grants and loans Trump steel, aluminum tariffs likely to drive up car costs, industry leaders say US sales fall for American whiskeys as threats of a trade war heat up Trump readies matching tariffs on trade partners Trump doubles down on plan to empty Gaza. This is what he has said and what’s at stake Linda McMahon doesn’t fit the typical education secretary profile. Backers say that’s her strength Hegseth didn’t request over $137,000 in upgrades to his new military residence, official says Ex-FEMA worker who told staff to avoid homes with Trump signs violated Hatch Act, agency says FBI says it found 2,400 new JFK assassination records White House bars AP reporter from Oval Office because of AP style policy on ‘Gulf of America’ Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
Members phkrause Posted February 14 Author Members Posted February 14 On 2/10/2025 at 9:17 PM, bonnie1962 said: $32,000 for a Peruvian transgender comic book Trump WH falsely claimed USAID funded 'transgender comic book' in Peru Karoline Leavitt, U.S. President Donald Trump's White House press secretary, promoted this false claim in the early days of Trump's second term. Claim: The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided a grant of $32,000 for a "transgender comic book" in Peru. Rating: False https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/transgender-comic-book-peru/? Breaking down how much money Musk's Starlink received from USAID Key Points Social media users — including a Democratic U.S. Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont — claimed Starlink, a division of Elon Musk's SpaceX, received "millions of dollars" from the U.S. Agency for International Development, the government's humanitarian aid department. According to the United States government's official federal spending website, USAID signed off on about $1 million in Starlink products and services, nearly all via third-party contractors. However, USAID's contracts for Starlink products are not yet fully paid out. It's unclear whether they will be, due to efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump and Musk — the Department of Government Efficiency head — to dismantle USAID. As of this writing, USAID has spent $484,604 on Starlink products and services through third-party contractors and terminated its only Starlink contract with SpaceX. There may be federal contracts between USAID and Starlink that aren't publicly available information due to national security concerns. The Washington Post reported in 2022 that USAID spent $3 million on Starlink devices that connect users to SpaceX's satellite internet system, for example. Snopes could not independently verify that reporting, although USAID said at the time that it bought 1,333 Starlink devices and then walked back its statement. https://www.snopes.com/news/2025/02/11/musk-usaid-starlink/? Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
Social media users — including a Democratic U.S. Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont — claimed Starlink, a division of Elon Musk's SpaceX, received "millions of dollars" from the U.S. Agency for International Development, the government's humanitarian aid department. According to the United States government's official federal spending website, USAID signed off on about $1 million in Starlink products and services, nearly all via third-party contractors. However, USAID's contracts for Starlink products are not yet fully paid out. It's unclear whether they will be, due to efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump and Musk — the Department of Government Efficiency head — to dismantle USAID. As of this writing, USAID has spent $484,604 on Starlink products and services through third-party contractors and terminated its only Starlink contract with SpaceX. There may be federal contracts between USAID and Starlink that aren't publicly available information due to national security concerns. The Washington Post reported in 2022 that USAID spent $3 million on Starlink devices that connect users to SpaceX's satellite internet system, for example. Snopes could not independently verify that reporting, although USAID said at the time that it bought 1,333 Starlink devices and then walked back its statement. https://www.snopes.com/news/2025/02/11/musk-usaid-starlink/?
bonnie1962 Posted February 15 Posted February 15 1 hour ago, phkrause said: Trump WH falsely claimed USAID funded 'transgender comic book' in Peru Karoline Leavitt, U.S. President Donald Trump's White House press secretary, promoted this false claim in the early days of Trump's second term. Claim: The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided a grant of $32,000 for a "transgender comic book" in Peru. Rating: False https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/transgender-comic-book-peru/? Breaking down how much money Musk's Starlink received from USAID Key Points Social media users — including a Democratic U.S. Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont — claimed Starlink, a division of Elon Musk's SpaceX, received "millions of dollars" from the U.S. Agency for International Development, the government's humanitarian aid department. According to the United States government's official federal spending website, USAID signed off on about $1 million in Starlink products and services, nearly all via third-party contractors. However, USAID's contracts for Starlink products are not yet fully paid out. It's unclear whether they will be, due to efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump and Musk — the Department of Government Efficiency head — to dismantle USAID. As of this writing, USAID has spent $484,604 on Starlink products and services through third-party contractors and terminated its only Starlink contract with SpaceX. There may be federal contracts between USAID and Starlink that aren't publicly available information due to national security concerns. The Washington Post reported in 2022 that USAID spent $3 million on Starlink devices that connect users to SpaceX's satellite internet system, for example. Snopes could not independently verify that reporting, although USAID said at the time that it bought 1,333 Starlink devices and then walked back its statement. https://www.snopes.com/news/2025/02/11/musk-usaid-starlink/? Unfortunately for what could be accomplished the rush to get some of this done is going to end up shooting themselves in the foot. I seriously doubt even with all the rabid posting anyone doubts there is fraud and stupidity involved at all levels. In reading info in the above post it was all paid with US taxpayer money. I am not sure I care if it was the State Dept or USAID or another agency involved in such stupidity. With the run away homelessness, drugs etc. that should come first. That does not excuse the careless accusations. If that keeps up there is no doubt support will be lost and the mindless support and corruption will continue Quote
Social media users — including a Democratic U.S. Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont — claimed Starlink, a division of Elon Musk's SpaceX, received "millions of dollars" from the U.S. Agency for International Development, the government's humanitarian aid department. According to the United States government's official federal spending website, USAID signed off on about $1 million in Starlink products and services, nearly all via third-party contractors. However, USAID's contracts for Starlink products are not yet fully paid out. It's unclear whether they will be, due to efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump and Musk — the Department of Government Efficiency head — to dismantle USAID. As of this writing, USAID has spent $484,604 on Starlink products and services through third-party contractors and terminated its only Starlink contract with SpaceX. There may be federal contracts between USAID and Starlink that aren't publicly available information due to national security concerns. The Washington Post reported in 2022 that USAID spent $3 million on Starlink devices that connect users to SpaceX's satellite internet system, for example. Snopes could not independently verify that reporting, although USAID said at the time that it bought 1,333 Starlink devices and then walked back its statement. https://www.snopes.com/news/2025/02/11/musk-usaid-starlink/?
Members phkrause Posted February 15 Author Members Posted February 15 💊 RFK Jr. is confirmed — will he now deliver? The Senate this morning confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary. Will he now follow through on his vow to ban all those annoying — and in some cases harmful — drug commercials? And will he do anything about this huge FDA scandal in America’s medicine cabinet? Or will he just push raw milk on everybody? ps:I would be surprised if he does anything that would help the consumer!! 🏛️ Trump’s purge vs. John Roberts’ memo. The Trump administration announced that it “intends to urge the Supreme Court to overturn” a 90-year-old precedent preventing presidents from firing appointees at independent agencies without cause. In seeking to purge the heads of the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the National Labor Relations Board, the administration insists the 90-year-old precept is unconstitutional. However, in yet another 1984 memo casting doubt on the legality of Trump’s actions, then-Reagan administration lawyer John Roberts wrote that if agencies “perform quasi-judicial or quasi-legislative functions” then such job protections at independent agencies are constitutional. Meanwhile, Justice Brett Kavanaugh has written that the job-protection doctrine “is an entrenched Supreme Court precedent, protected by stare decisis”...but he has also been a critic. 🪨 Mt. Trumpmore. While the House GOP pushes to slash Medicaid in the name of fiscal austerity, a Republican lawmaker has introduced legislation to spend big money adding President Donald Trump to Mt. Rushmore. The project has no official price tag — but one expert estimated that labor costs alone would be $64 million. Before Elon Musk’s crusade against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, his company Tesla issued a report in 2020 bragging about its commitment to “integrate diversity, equity and inclusion principles and practices into the DNA of our company.” Soon after, Tesla faced legal actions alleging racial discrimination — and then Musk declared “DEI must DIE” while CNN reported last year that the “company has omitted all language regarding minority workers and outreach to minority communities in its 10-K filing with the SEC.” A new poll shows a plurality of Americans have a favorable view of DEI programs. Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
bonnie1962 Posted February 15 Posted February 15 Righteous indignation is always more believable and effective when it isnt selective and obsessive Quote
Members phkrause Posted February 17 Author Members Posted February 17 Treasury watchdog begins audit of Musk DOGE team’s access to the US government’s payment system WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department’s Office of Inspector General on Friday said it was launching an audit of the security controls for the federal government’s payment system, as Democratic lawmakers raised red flags about the access provided to Trump aide Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency team. https://apnews.com/article/treasury-inspector-general-audit-doge-musk-democrats-d1e2710d0b63f54a8c1fe50fe4f23d4d? Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
Members phkrause Posted February 17 Author Members Posted February 17 🔮 DOGE's six-month plan DOGE plans extend at least through July 18 — Day 180 of the administration. Graphic: The Washington Post, from U.S. DOGE Service strategy document Elon Musk's DOGE is planning to cut staff from dozens of offices across the executive branch as part of its purge of DEI programs from the federal government, The Washington Post reports from a look inside the agency's playbook for getting rid of DEI. (Gift link) "Among the groups targeted are a Veterans Affairs office that works to ensure all veterans receive equal access to care and an office within Health and Human Services that provides information about the health of minority populations," The Post reports. Zoom out: DOGE is also looking to fire workers who don't explicitly work in DEI, but have jobs that the DOGE team determined were linked to DEI, though it was unclear how they would decide that. That approach could draw legal challenges, DOGE team members acknowledge in the documents reviewed by The Post. Dive into DOGE's DEI playbook, annotated by WaPo (gift link). Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
Members phkrause Posted February 18 Author Members Posted February 18 🔎 DOGE seeks IRS data Two of Elon Musk's well over 100 posts and replies on X in the past 24 hours. An IRS employee connected with Elon Musk's DOGE team is set to seek access to an IRS system that includes sensitive taxpayer data, The Washington Post reported and Axios' Rebecca Falconer confirmed. An administration official said the staffer is acting legally on the "DOGE mission" and "with the appropriate security clearances." White House principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields said in a statement: "Waste, fraud and abuse have been deeply entrenched in our broken system for far too long ... It takes direct access to the system to identify and fix it." "DOGE will continue to shine a light on the fraud they uncover as the American people deserve to know what their government has been spending their hard-earned tax dollars on." Some IRS software dates back to the 1960s. Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
Members phkrause Posted February 18 Author Members Posted February 18 Anxiety and paranoia Some US government employees are turning off their phones at home. Others are opting for in-person chats at work instead of using Microsoft Teams. Amid the DOGE crackdown, they’re worried about being watched and getting fired. Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
Members phkrause Posted February 18 Author Members Posted February 18 Social Security head resigns over DOGE The Social Security Administration's top official resigned this weekend in the latest Trump administration clash over DOGE's access to sensitive government records, The Washington Post reports (gift link). Why it matters: The agency is quickly becoming a target of Elon Musk, who has claimed without conclusive evidence that there's rampant fraud from improper payments to dead people. 🔬 Zoom in: Acting commissioner Michelle King, who worked at the agency for over 30 years, left her position after refusing to give DOGE staffers access to sensitive information. President Trump appointed Leland Dudek — who runs the Social Security Administration's anti-fraud office — as acting commissioner while his permanent pick, Frank Bisignano, awaits Senate confirmation. Between the lines: "Administration officials have also been skeptical of career employees' efforts to guard federal data, maintaining that political appointees should also be able to access it, particularly if necessary to root out wasteful or erroneous spending," the Post notes. The Treasury Department's highest-ranking civil servant resigned under similar circumstances last month. Keep reading. DOGE Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, is pressing forward with its government cuts as it faces multiple legal challenges. The IRS, which holds private data on millions of Americans' tax returns, Social Security numbers and banking information, is the latest agency to be targeted by DOGE as it seeks to significantly reduce the size of the federal workforce and root out what it characterizes as waste, fraud and abuse within the government. At the same time, several high-ranking officials have departed their roles over concerns about DOGE staffers' potential unlawful access to private taxpayer information. Social Security head steps down over DOGE access of recipient information: AP sources The Social Security Administration’s acting commissioner has stepped down from her role at the agency over Department of Government Efficiency requests to access Social Security recipient information, according to two people familiar with the official’s departure who were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Read more. Why this matters: Acting Commissioner Michelle King’s departure from the agency over the weekend — after more than 30 years of service — was initiated after King refused to provide DOGE staffers at the SSA with access to sensitive information, the people said Monday. The White House has replaced her as acting commissioner with Leland Dudek, who currently works at the SSA, the people said. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Elon Musk’s DOGE seeks access to taxpayer data at IRS: AP sources Judge to rule swiftly on effort to block DOGE from assessing data and firing federal employees Trump begins firings of FAA staff just weeks after fatal DC plane crash Trump nominates Ed Martin, an ally who defended Jan. 6 rioters, to stay as top DC federal prosecutor EEOC seeks to drop transgender discrimination cases, citing Trump’s executive order Trump creates council for ‘energy dominance,’ boosts natural gas exports and offshore drilling Egypt is developing a plan to rebuild Gaza, countering Trump’s call to depopulate the territory China says US has ‘gravely backpedaled’ on Taiwan US deports immigrants to Venezuela after judge blocked transfer to Guantanamo Bay Tracking Trump’s presidential promises ‘No kings on Presidents Day’ rings out from protests against Trump and Musk Mike Pence emerges as one of the few Republicans willing to challenge Trump 2.0 Coins, watches and more: A look at Trump’s crypto-related ventures, by the numbers Utah governor signs collective bargaining ban for teachers, firefighters and police unions Kindergarteners could learn gun safety in school under a bill gaining momentum in Utah Wisconsin governor floats plan to close 19th-century prison and overhaul corrections system Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
Members phkrause Posted February 19 Author Members Posted February 19 Musk’s DOGE seeks access to personal taxpayer data, raising alarm at IRS The unusual request could put sensitive data about millions of American taxpayers in the hands of Trump political appointees. https://archive.is/2kAdB#selection-536.0-536.1 🤖 "AI-first" chaos Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios Rushing to use AI to root out government waste, as Elon Musk's allies at DOGE have suggested, could bring chaos and surprise disasters, AI experts tell Axios' Megan Morrone. Why it matters: AI can help cut costs. But careless deployment risks harming people who need the government's help, amplifying inefficiencies, opening security holes and automating flawed decision-making. 🚮 It's likely that DOGE is trying to create a tool that lets you feed in government documents and ask where to trim spending, says Meredith Broussard, NYU professor and author tells Axios. "Then the machine will give an answer because the machine always gives an answer," Broussard tells Axios. "But that answer is not necessarily correct." Read on. Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
Members phkrause Posted February 19 Author Members Posted February 19 😤 DOGE backlash building As the Trump administration continues its crusade to pare down the federal job rolls and slash federal spending, some Republicans on Capitol Hill are showing their nerves. Why it matters: The need to swiftly un-fire nuclear safety employees and federal officials fighting the bird flu hasn't gone well on Capitol Hill, even as Republicans largely applaud DOGE's fast work. Senate Appropriations Committee chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) told us the administration is moving "too fast." She warned Musk's team should wait until agency heads are confirmed and can take "a more surgical approach." "Before making cuts rashly, the administration should be studying and staffing to see what the consequences are. Measure twice before cutting. They have had to backtrack multiple times," said Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.). Zoom in: Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) also has concerns and told us of her state's many federal workers: "We all want efficiencies, there is a way to do it, and the way these people have been treated has been awful in many cases. Awful." — Andrew Solender and Stef Kight Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
Members phkrause Posted February 20 Author Members Posted February 20 Democratic lawmakers question DOGE access to IRS and tax return information WASHINGTON — Two Democratic senators are demanding the Internal Revenue Service answer questions on whether, and to what extent, billionaire Elon Musk’s personnel can access tax information, particularly during filing season. https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/02/18/repub/democratic-lawmakers-question-doge-access-to-irs-and-tax-return-information/? Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
Members phkrause Posted February 20 Author Members Posted February 20 Here Are The Biggest DOGE Hoaxes And Inaccuracies—As $8 Million Canceled ICE Contract Listed At $8 Billion As billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency scours federal agencies for cost savings, Musk and his team have repeatedly made baseless or false claims about government spending—or exaggerated the level of fraud and waste uncovered at some agencies. https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/02/19/here-are-the-biggest-doge-hoaxes-and-inaccuracies-as-8-million-canceled-ice-contract-listed-at-8-billion/ Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
bonnie1962 Posted February 21 Posted February 21 Serious question. I do not have the time to devote a good portion of my day scouring for either the negative or the positive concerning President Trump. From the intense posting it would be easy to conclude that there isn't foolish and reckless government waste of taxpayer dollar. Or that all things Trump/Musk concerning DOGE is a lie and all things coming from mainstream is gospel. Is this correct? It would appear that for some it is safe to assume what comes from the media is gospel. That means of course ignoring the many falsehoods and the rabid hatred of Trump and all things conservative. This would be tough for anyone to deny at this point. I think anyone with two brain cells to rub together would anticipate errors will be made with the speed that is being used. My question, is all the barrage that comes from mainstream media to be believed? Has a democrat/liberal stepped forward with so much vigor concerning the exposure of the Russian Hoax and Hunters Laptop,or Ashley's recounting of showers with her father? Quote
Members phkrause Posted February 21 Author Members Posted February 21 A comprehensive look at DOGE’s firings and layoffs so far WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands of federal government employees have been shown the door in the first month of President Donald Trump’s administration as the White House and its Department of Government Efficiency fire both new and career workers, tell agency leaders to plan for “large-scale reductions in force” and freeze trillions of dollars in federal grant funds. https://apnews.com/article/doge-firings-layoffs-federal-government-workers-musk-d33cdd7872d64d2bdd8fe70c28652654? Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
bonnie1962 Posted February 21 Posted February 21 Interesting work if you can get it. How do you work remotely in a cafeteria.? US Environment Federal department cafeteria empty for years under Biden: source The Department of Interior cafeteria was reportedly closed under the Biden administration By Aubrie Spady Fox News Published February 20, 2025 5:22pm EST | Updated February 20, 2025 6:38pm EST DOGE lays off thousands of probationary HHS works as Trump reforms continue EXCLUSIVE: The cafeteria in a top federal department resembles a ghost town after remaining empty and closed for years under the Biden administration, Fox News Digital has learned. "You have federal workers showing up to protest President Trump’s plan to make government work for the people on a federal holiday, but they refuse to show up to work when they are collecting a paycheck courtesy of American taxpayers. It’s just nuts," a source close to the situation told Fox News Digital. The Department of Interior (DOI) cafeteria was initially closed during the coronavirus pandemic, but the lunchroom remained shut down for several years because the Biden administration did not require federal employees to work in person. A photo taken on Feb. 20, 2025, reveals that five years after the pandemic, the lunchroom remains empty and unmanned, which "shows you exactly what’s wrong with the mindset of far too many federal workers," the source tells Fox. HUD OFFICES BECAME AS VACANT AS A ‘SPIRIT HALLOWEEN’ STORE UNDER BIDEN: ADMIN SOURCES An image, taken on February 20, 2025, shows an empty cafeteria at the Department of Interior (DOI). (Fox News Digital) "President Trump is keeping his promise to the American people about having a government that works hard and responsibly for the people. Under the Biden administration, there were so few people in the Interior office that the cafeteria closed!" Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement. "The American people elected President Trump because they want results," the secretary said. "Getting the workforce back to the office will help accelerate America’s sprint to Energy Dominance." President Donald Trump, in January, took aim at Biden's policies on remote work, warning that federal employees must return to in-person work by early February or "be terminated." Burgum is requiring that all federal employees return to the office to comply with the return to work order issued by the president. TRUMP ADMIN LAYS OUT ROLES OF ‘PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES’ AS DEMS CLAIM CRITICAL EMPLOYEES ARE BEING CUT "It’s understandable that the cafeteria would close during the pandemic, but the pandemic has been over for years," the source told Fox. "Why did the Biden administration let everyone continue to work from home when there is real work to be done for the country?" Fox News Digital also recently found that the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) headquarters in Washington, D.C., was left relatively untouched since the first Trump administration, with an official saying it felt like a "taxpayer-funded ‘Spirit Halloween'" store. The Trump administration has been conducting a sweep of federal departments over the past month, slashing spending, as well as making cuts to the workforce in an effort to downsize the government. Quote
Members phkrause Posted February 21 Author Members Posted February 21 DOGE notches courtroom wins as Elon Musk crusades to slash federal government Although some parts of President Donald Trump’s agenda are getting bogged down by litigation, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is having better luck in the courtroom. Read more. Why this matters: Labor unions, Democrats and federal employees have filed lawsuits arguing that DOGE is running roughshod over privacy protections and usurping power from other branches of government. But DOGE critics are failing to obtain temporary restraining orders that would prevent Musk’s team from accessing sensitive government databases. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Hegseth directs Pentagon to find $50 billion in cuts this year to fund Trump military priorities Senate confirms Kelly Loeffler, former Georgia senator, to lead Small Business Administration Trump seeks greater control of independent regulators with his new executive order IRS plans to lay off 7,000 probationary workers beginning Thursday, AP source says Agriculture Department tries to rehire fired workers tied to bird flu response Trump signs order aimed at ending federal benefits for some immigrants Trump says federal government should ‘take over’ DC, backing congressional GOP push WATCH: NY Governor Hochul challenges Trump: ‘We are not subservient to a king’ Republicans are pursuing separate paths to get Trump’s priorities through Congress Trump media company sues a Brazilian Supreme Court justice investigating Bolsonaro Mexico president says her government requested US surveillance drone flights Trump’s freeze on foreign aid could give China an opening on the world stage Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice announces she is stepping down New York governor deploys National Guard amid illegal corrections officer strike at state prisons Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60
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