Quotes
The idea that unvetted individuals with full access to federal employee records are inputting them into AI systems is beyond reckless,
a former intelligence official told the Washington Post
This isn't governance—it's a tech-bro experiment on a national scale,
one senior OPM official told the outletDOGE has also been instrumental in some of the changes to staffing, which have included hiring freezes and contract buyouts of employees the new administration no longer wants in their roles. However, those staffing savings may not be permanent. The federal government is a massive organization to run and could be more difficult to operate with limited staffing than the new administration expects."
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek
Some cuts may become permanent, but realistically, much of what Trump is implementing can be reversed by the next administration. Unless these changes are codified into law—which requires approval from both the House and Senate—they lack long-term staying power. That said, many Republicans may support Trump's initiatives, as history has shown that opposing the party line can come with political consequences."
Kevin Thompson, a finance expert and the founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek.jpg)
This will be tedious work, make lots of enemies & compensation is zero,
Musk wrote on X, formerly Twitter, which he ownsLong-term impacts may be more muted, as many of these changes are executed via executive action and can be undone with a simple reversal,
he said
Elon Musk is ripping us off and like millions of Americans across the country, I’m pissed. I’m taking action [to prevent] grifters like him from getting richer while pillaging our tax dollars for himself,
Pocan said
Whatever Doge is doing, it is certainly not what democracy looks like, or has ever looked like in the grand history of this country, because democracy does not work in the shadows, democracy does not skirt the rule of law,
Schumer said_(cropped).jpg)
Elon Musk is seizing power from the American people.
Senator Elizabeth Warren addressed frustrated crowds, agreeing
Let's not mince words here: An unelected, unaccountable billionaire with expansive conflicts of interest, deep ties to China and an indiscreet ax to grind against perceived enemies is hijacking our nation's most sensitive financial data system and its checkbook.
Senator Patty Murray was just as scathing, arguingThey did however vote for Donald Trump who promised repeatedly to have Elon Musk root out wasteful spending in our government.
Responding to critics who say 'no one voted for Musk', Vance saidIf we don’t stop it and get Congress to do something, it’s an attack on democracy,
Miglietti said
We’re going to upgrade and make sure that America has the most innovative, technologically advanced air system, air-traffic control system,
Duffy saidIt’s going to take us time to get more air-traffic controllers in the space,
Duffy said at the eventWe’re going to rethink our airspace, and we’re going to do it quickly,
Duffy said during remarks at an event in Washington, without offering specifics about potential changesDemocracy is not a spectator sport! Do something,
said a sign held aloft by one demonstrator in PhiladelphiaThose leading this mission with Elon Musk are doing so in full compliance with federal law, appropriate security clearances, and as employees of the relevant agencies, not as outside advisors or entities,
the official said
Do we want these tools unleashed in government and society without guardrails?"
Alondra Nelson, who worked on AI policy at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy during the Biden administration, asked the Post
Elon can’t do and won’t do anything without our approval. And we will give him the approval where appropriate, and where not appropriate we won’t,
Trump said at the White House
No, he’s not taking the presidency…That’s not happening.”
In a speech, Trump felt the need to clarify