Looking Behind Closed Doors

Seeing Trump and Musk

The confirmations of Tulsi Gabbard and RFK, Jr. look like they are on their way. Sad, but true.

It’s the activities of Elon Musk that are most concerning, and I spent some time today researching who’s doing what to stop him. A private citizen, he and his DOGE people now has access to the computer systems of some governmental departments.

Musk said last night: “If it’s not possible now, it will never be possible. This is our shot, This is the best hand of cards we’re ever going to have. If we don’t take advantage of this best hand of cards, it’s never going to happen.”

Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA) have all condemed Musk’s actions, and tried to enter the offices of USAID yesterday but were denied entry. Raskin said, “Elon Musk, you may have illegally seized power over the financial payment systems of the United States Department of Treasury, but you don’t control the money of the American people. The United States Congress does that—under Article I of the Constitution. And just like the president, who was elected to something, cannot impound the money of the people, we don’t have a fourth branch of government called Elon Musk. And that’s going to become real clear.”

Senator Murphy said: "[L]et's not pull any punches about why this is happening. Elon Musk makes billions of dollars based off of his business with China. And China is cheering at [the destruction of USAID]. There is no question that the billionaire class trying to take over our government right now is doing it based on self-interest: their belief that if they can make us weaker in the world, if they can elevate their business partners all around the world, they will gain the benefit. But there’s another reason this is happening. They’re shuttering agencies and sending employees home in order to create the illusion that they’re saving money, in order to…pass a giant tax cut for billionaires and corporations.”

Judge Loren L. AliKhan of the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to freeze trillions of dollars in grants and loans before DOGE got going.

According to Politico, New York State Attorney General Letitia James has joined one lawsuit blocking President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship ban, is leading another challenging his wide-ranging funding freeze and warned she’d sue if Trump demands local assistance in federal immigration raids.

So its clear that members of the legislative and judicial branches are doing what they can, or at least control the extent of his efforts.

Charlie Warzel of The Atlantic has written previously and again this week that Musk’s takeover of the government is much like his takeover of Twitter. Even though Twitter, now X, is a flailing business, Musk has gained money and power in the process. Musk is approaching this whole thing as a takeover of a software company. But it may backfire. Warzel says that Musk’s slash and burn approach may cut important programs that are crucual in making things work well, that while he may delete what he feels wasteful (although it’s not Musk’s place to do that), he may also inadvertently cut necessary systems. Government could certainly use streamlining, but many seasoned civil servants who know how to run things will leave. The government is much more complicated than Musk may realize.

“The former executive did point to a meaningful difference between X and DOGE, however: The government is big and complex. This may be an asset during an assault. ‘Even if you try to take a flamethrower to the government, the destruction won’t be quick. There’ll be legal challenges and congressional fights, and in the months and weeks, it’ll be individuals who keep essential services running,’ they said. The government workers who know what they’re doing may still be able to make positive incremental change from within.”

Protests continue across the country, primarily concerning Trump’s immigration and deportation plans. Click here to watch video of the protests.

I feel encouraged knowing many are working hard to end this coup, and that the media is paying attention to not just the easy stories, like confirmation hearings, but to what is being done behind closed doors.

Thanks for being here, see you tomorrow.