Musk's DOGE Sparks Transparency Battle Amid Federal Overhaul

story

FEB 12

Above: Illustration of Pres. Donald Trump announcing Musk's new role, created Nov. 13, 2024. Image copyright: CFOTO/Contributor/Future Publishing via Getty Imagesstory last updated FEB 13

The Facts

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is facing scrutiny over its designation as an insulated entity, which wouldn't require disclosures until 2034, despite Musk's and Pres. Donald Trump's claims of transparency and allegedly revealing corruption.
Trump also signed an executive order on Tuesday giving DOGE expanded authority to cut the federal workforce, directing agencies to hire only one person for every four who depart, with exceptions for national security and law enforcement positions.
While a federal judge temporarily blocked several DOGE initiatives over the weekend, including access to Treasury Department payment systems, US District Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled Tuesday that such rulings do not apply to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The Spin

Anti-Trump narrative

Trump and Musk are flouting laws like bandits, brazenly challenging courts to stop their reckless dismantling of key US agencies like USAID and financial corruption watchdogs. Judges have intervened as best they can, but the damage to government credibility and function has already proven devastating. This administration's actions threaten the country's basic constitutional balance and must be stopped.

New York Times Slate

Pro-Trump narrative

The fear surrounding DOGE is largely a fabrication by Democratic politicians and the media, yet polls show majority support among the American public. DOGE is uncovering deep-seated corruption, including a network of bureaucrats operating outside public accountability, manipulating government contracts and grants worth billions. It's also exposing historical media manipulation akin to Operation Mockingbird, where narratives are controlled by intelligence agencies.

The Western Journal FOX News