How Elon Musk and DOGE Can Deliver on Smaller Government

Peter Suderman and Elon Musk | Lex Villena; Jen Golbeck/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom

In this week’s The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman assess the current shape of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks and policy priorities.

00:27—New Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

14:48—Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz nominated for Trump cabinet positions

31:37—Weekly listener question

41:46—Trump’s foreign policy cabinet picks

48:22—This week’s cultural recommendations

 

Mentioned in this podcast:

DOGE’s Chances Are Slim, but It Might Be Our Only Hope,” by J.D. Tuccille

The National Debt Just Hit $36 Trillion. Does Trump Have a Plan To Control It?” by Eric Boehm

To Cut Wasteful Spending, Start With Energy Subsidies,” by Jeff Luse

The Impact of Trump’s Cost-Cutting Initiative Hinges on What He Means by ‘Government Efficiency,’” by Jacob Sullum

To Succeed at Cutting Government, Musk and Ramaswamy Must Take on Entitlements,” by Eric Boehm

The 19 Percent Solution: How to balance the budget without raising taxes,” by Nick Gillespie and Veronique de Rugy

How Donald Trump and Elon Musk Could Cut $2 Trillion in Government Spending,” by Veronique de Rugy

The Math Does Not Favor Avoiding Senate Scrutiny of Trump’s Bizarre Cabinet Picks,” by Jacob Sullum

Will Donald Trump and RFK Jr. Psychedelicize America?” by Nick Gillespie

Can RFK Jr. Fix Our Dysfunctional Public Health Agencies?” by Ronald Bailey

Matt Gaetz’s Personality Irked His GOP Colleagues. There Are Better Reasons To Oppose His Nomination.” by Jacob Sullum

Trump Nominates Matt Gaetz as Attorney General,” by C.J. Ciaramella

One Brainworm To Rule Them All,” by Liz Wolfe

Abolish the FDA,” by Jeffrey A. Singer

Abolish Antitrust Law,” by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

Trump’s Immigration Picks Are Terrible,” by Fiona Harrigan

Abolish the TSA,” by Robby Soave

Abolish Borders,” by Christopher Freiman

Abolish the National Park Service,” by Eric Boehm

Abolish ICE,” by Fiona Harrigan

Get in Line! Now, Stay Out!” by Mike Flynn, Shikha Dalmia, and Terry Colon

Infographic: How Republicans and Democrats View Federal Agencies

Meet Trump’s Incredibly Confusing New National Security Cabinet,” by Matthew Petti

Abolish the NSA and CIA,” by Ronald Bailey

Abolish the Army,” by Matthew Petti

What is the Future of Immigration?” by Shane Smith

“‘I’ve got a bad feeling about this,'” by Nick Gillespie

The Psychedelic Society, an masterclass on Aldous Huxley’s Island. Use the code REASON for a discount. https://hereandnowstudios.com/the-psychedelic-society

Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today’s sponsors:

  • In an election year, getting overwhelmed by the constant buzz of news and opinions is easy. Understanding the true impact of political events can be a challenge. Not Another Politics Podcast, from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, provides clear, research-driven perspectives on the biggest issues. Get the insights you need to truly understand the political landscape—no spin, just facts. Subscribe today at harris.uchicago.edu/napp or look for Not Another Politics Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: “Angeline,” by The Brothers Steve

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