Trump selects Elon Musk to lead government efficiency department
Musk and ex-presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to head up Department of Government Efficiency (Doge)
www.theguardian.com
Trump is attempting to place inexperienced and unqualified individuals in crucial government positions, such as Attorney General, Director of National Intelligence, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Secretary of Defense. This strategy seems designed to protect him from legal accountability while allowing him to maintain control in the event of another insurrection-like incident. For now, Elon Musk has been appointed to lend legitimacy to his new Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), though Musk has stated his tenure will be brief. The future leader of this department could be a harsh, cost-cutting figure, enabling Trump to use it as a tool to target and investigate anyone who opposes his regime.
The Department of Government Efficiency, or Doge, could potentially turn into a coercive force, pressuring government employees to conform to Trump’s narrative. This new agency might become a form of internal repression, driving public servants to align with his agenda or face severe consequences. However, this strategy could backfire. If cuts and budget slashing lead to widespread dissatisfaction, other government departments may resist by slowing down their work, engaging in "work-to-rule" tactics, or even openly rebelling against the administration. This could ultimately undermine the very system Trump is trying to control and lead to his downfall.