President-elect Trump’s ambitious plan to create a Department of Government Efficiency (‘DOGE’) has ignited a wave of speculation about its potential impact. With Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy at the helm, the DOGE is poised to be a driving force in reshaping the federal government.
Hugh Hewitt, a prominent radio host and political commentator, delves into the intricacies of this unprecedented initiative in his latest column. He emphasizes that while the DOGE currently lacks statutory authority, it will be operating with the direct ear of the President-elect and the support of key congressional leaders like Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader-elect John Thune.
Hewitt highlights the strategic importance of the budget reconciliation process, a powerful legislative tool that allows the House and Senate to pass laws with a simple majority vote, bypassing the Senate’s filibuster rules. This process will be crucial in implementing President-elect Trump’s vision for the DOGE, particularly in areas like extending and revising the Trump tax cuts, which are set to expire at the end of next year.
The DOGE’s influence extends beyond tax policy. Hewitt outlines a series of potential reforms that could be enacted through the budget reconciliation process, including:
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Rapid permitting and construction of ‘Small Modular Reactors’ (advanced nuclear reactors)
: These reactors are seen as essential for meeting the energy demands of our AI, national security, and high-tech sectors.*
School choice and boys’ sports in public education
: The DOGE could condition federal education funding on states implementing robust school choice programs and prohibiting boys from participating in girls’ sports.*
Elimination of funding for National Public Radio and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
: These entities are often targeted by conservative lawmakers for cuts.*
Federal government-wide ‘reductions in force’
: This would involve streamlining the federal workforce.*
’Regularization’ of Dreamers and other migrant groups
: This would involve granting legal status to undocumented immigrants who meet certain criteria.*
Completion and expansion of the border wall
: The DOGE could authorize additional funding for border security.*
Turbocharging of the Navy’s shipbuilding plan
: This would involve investing heavily in naval infrastructure and capacity.*
Restructuring of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
: This could include merging the EPA with the Department of the Interior and stripping the EPA of certain regulatory authority.*
Disestablishment of the Department of Education
: The DOGE could dismantle the Department of Education and transfer its functions to the Department of Health and Human Services.Hewitt emphasizes that these sweeping reforms are only possible if the DOGE’s proposals are codified into federal law. He warns that the upcoming 2026 elections could significantly impact the DOGE’s agenda, making it crucial for Musk, Ramaswamy, and their team to secure legislative wins in the first two years of President-elect Trump’s term.
The DOGE represents a significant shift in how the federal government operates. Whether it truly reshapes the government for the Information Age, as Hewitt suggests, remains to be seen. However, with its ambitious agenda and the potential to wield significant legislative power, the DOGE is set to be a pivotal force in American politics in the coming years.
