I am proud that Weld County has our “Lean Process,” a business process analysis that our departments periodically go through to ensure they run as efficiently and leanly as possible. You can rightly say that Weld County was DOGE before DOGE was cool.
As an elected public servant, one of my baseline principles is to champion a small, efficient government that fulfills only its proper role. Through our Lean Process and daily activities and decisions, I stand firm on this principle in my role as a Weld County Commissioner. That’s why I was damn near giddy to watch candidate and now President Trump talk about eliminating government waste and creating efficiencies.
Just like you – I knew it was there – the waste and corruption and filth. Now DOGE is finding it. Track their findings on their website HERE. USAID was just the beginning. We “common sensers” are being proven right and our anger at the discoveries is righteous. I believe fraud has been perpetuated on the American taxpayer and people need to go to jail. Period.
Sure, this is just a meme, but wisdom can come in social media shareables. Think of the times you have scrimped and saved and gone without. Politicians on both sides of the aisle have been playing the American taxpayers for chumps and I am thrilled President Trump is doing something about it. Sure, there are a lot of people right now who are making a lot of noise. Throw a rock into a pack of dogs and the dog that yelps is the one you hit.
So let’s try to cut through the noise and get to the facts. Let’s set the record straight and give credit where it’s due: President Trump and Elon Musk are taking bold steps to revamp our federal government, and it’s about time.
Elon Musk’s Government Appointment
In a decisive move, President Trump has appointed Elon Musk as a Special Government Employee (SGE). This role empowers private-sector innovators like Musk to bring their expertise to public service. Musk’s unparalleled success in technology and business makes him the ideal candidate to lead this transformative effort. (CNN)
Establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14158, establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This initiative aims to modernize federal operations, eliminate waste, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively. With Musk at the helm, DOGE is poised to infuse Silicon Valley efficiency into Washington’s bureaucracy. (Federal Register)
Mission and Access
DOGE’s mission is straightforward: streamline government functions and cut unnecessary expenditures. To achieve this, DOGE teams are embedded within federal agencies, granted full access to unclassified records and systems. This transparency ensures that every stone is turned in the quest for efficiency, all while adhering to strict data protection laws. (Federal Register)
Data Security and Privacy
Concerns about data security are understandable, but rest assured, DOGE operates within the bounds of the law. There is no evidence to suggest that Musk or his team have unlawfully accessed sensitive taxpayer information. Their focus remains on identifying and rectifying systemic inefficiencies, not delving into personal data. (AP News)
Uncovering Government Waste
Early efforts by DOGE have already yielded significant findings. Reports indicate that the team has identified substantial waste within various federal agencies, with potential savings amounting to billions of dollars. This is a testament to the effectiveness of having industry leaders like Musk involved in government operations. (Business Insider)
My Bottom Line
President Trump’s decision to enlist Elon Musk in this endeavor demonstrates a commitment to innovation and fiscal responsibility. Together, they are challenging the status quo, cutting through red tape, and ensuring that the government serves the people efficiently and effectively. It’s a bold strategy, and it’s exactly what Washington needs.
