Janice R. Andrews
In an unexpected move toward bipartisan cooperation, Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna of California has expressed his support for the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative created by President-elect Donald Trump. This new department will be led by tech mogul Elon Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Khanna’s endorsement signals his commitment to working across party lines to reduce government waste.
Khanna’s Endorsement of DOGE
Khanna shared his backing for DOGE on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I’m ready to work with @doge, @elonmusk + @VivekGRamaswamy to slash waste. I have a track record of doing so.” He highlighted his past efforts, such as exposing price gouging by defense contractor TransDigm, which led to a $16 million refund to the government.
The congressman also compared Musk’s impact with SpaceX under President Obama to the potential for similar cost-saving reforms in other areas of government. Speaking on ABC’s This Week, Khanna credited Musk with disrupting the satellite industry and saving taxpayers money by allowing SpaceX to compete with companies like Boeing and Lockheed.
“Under President Obama and Defense Secretary Ash Carter, SpaceX was able to compete, and it resulted in better prices for satellite launches,” Khanna explained. “That’s a model we can use for defense and other sectors to cut costs.”
Fighting Government Waste
Khanna pointed out numerous examples of wasteful government spending, including:
- The F-35 fighter jet program, which has exceeded its budget by $200 billion.
- Inflated costs for everyday supplies, such as $1,400 breast pumps and $150,000 soap dispensers.
Khanna believes DOGE can target these types of inefficiencies, particularly in defense and healthcare.
Healthcare Efficiency and DOGE
Healthcare is another area Khanna believes DOGE could help address. He reposted a tweet from Senator Bernie Sanders in support of Musk’s call to ensure taxpayers “get their money’s worth.” Sanders had criticized the high administrative costs of private insurance, in contrast to Medicare’s lower expenses.
On This Week, Khanna argued that while Medicare for All may be difficult to achieve, there are steps DOGE could take to reduce waste in healthcare. “Private insurance has administrative costs of 18%, while Medicare’s are just 2%. DOGE should look into these inefficiencies and hold private insurers accountable,” he said.
Khanna also suggested that private insurers be required to cover services that Medicare would provide, which could help millions of underinsured Americans.
Facing Criticism
Despite Khanna’s optimistic view, the DOGE initiative has drawn skepticism. Critics argue that appointing Musk to head the department is a potential conflict of interest, given his companies’ reliance on government contracts. There are concerns that Musk might use DOGE to push against regulatory agencies that oversee his businesses.
Political commentator Keith Olbermann criticized Khanna’s support for DOGE, claiming the congressman is “being played.” Khanna responded to Olbermann on X, defending his stance: “Your constant criticism of @BernieSanders and support for the establishment is part of the problem. Let a new generation build a party that can win.”
Progressive voices like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) have also raised concerns about Musk. AOC criticized his call to defund the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which does not receive taxpayer funding.
“Meanwhile, you’re proposing to defund veterans’ healthcare, Medicare, and Social Security,” AOC wrote on X. “That’s gutting some of the only lifelines left for veterans, seniors, and the disabled.”
DOGE’s Potential and Challenges
Khanna insists that DOGE could make a real impact, particularly in defense and healthcare, without cutting essential programs like Social Security, Medicare, or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He believes the department can emulate the success of the Truman Committee, which worked to reduce government waste during World War II.
“This isn’t about cutting services; it’s about making sure every dollar works for the people,” Khanna said. He also emphasized that millions of Americans are eager for solutions to wasteful spending, which could foster bipartisan cooperation.
Facing Resistance and Skepticism
While some Democrats are willing to collaborate with Musk and Ramaswamy, others remain cautious, questioning their lack of government experience. Moreover, Musk’s close ties to government contracts have led to concerns about his ability to objectively cut waste.
Despite these doubts, Khanna remains committed to giving DOGE a chance. “We can’t let partisan bickering stop us from addressing real problems,” he said.
Conclusion
As the Department of Government Efficiency prepares to tackle government waste, Khanna’s endorsement signals a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation. However, the success of DOGE will depend on its ability to navigate controversies and ensure that its mission remains focused on delivering value to taxpayers. While challenges lie ahead, Khanna’s support offers a glimpse of hope that even in a divided political landscape, collaboration is still possible.
