Musk’s “Government Efficiency Commission”

It was reported this week that Ron Paul will join Elon Musk on his Government Efficiency Commission to reduce federal spending.

The debt crisis our nation faces is dire. For the most part, the media is not reporting about it.

It will require enormous reductions in federal spending to bring the federal debt to a more manageable level. This would require a fundamental change in what citizens and the political class expect of the federal government.

“Nibbling at the edges” will not fix this problem.

The socialists will demagogue any proposed cuts in spending and reductions in the federal government– as they always have. But Musk may find that Republicans will fight just as tenaciously for their cherished federal programs. Large numbers will lack the will to cut.

How can they address the debt problem? Eliminate unconstitutional federal activities, using Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution.

That would eliminate vast portions of the massive federal edifice. Trump and his supporters want to dismantle the administrative state; and they now have even more compelling reason to do so in view of the debt crisis.

Elon Musk admits the reduction in spending will result in “temporary hardship”. That is an understatement.

This would require somewhat of a change in posture for Trump because he has typically favored a robust federal role in various areas; and has previously been a big spender. He also does not want to touch Social Security and Medicare; but these represent massive portions of federal spending.

Moreover, Trump had painted a very rosy picture regarding what the future would be under his leadership. But because of these circumstances, he will not be able to deliver– at least in the early stages.

One interesting wrinkle is how much “cutting” Trump can do with his executive authority vs. how much will require congressional action. I would also like to see what is actually cut.