Former Romney adviser bankrolled by left-wing groups ripped for leading anti-DOGE charge

Renowned economist Oren Cass has come under fire for his opposition to President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) efforts. Cass, who is the founder and chief economist of American Compass, has been vocal in his criticism of Elon Musk and DOGE, calling their approach to budget cuts haphazard and ineffective.

In a recent article for UnHerd, Cass argued that DOGE is cutting expenditures without a clear understanding of the impact, stating that there isn’t an easy button for everything. He has also taken shots at Musk’s personal character, questioning his values and alignment with the interests of the American people.

Cass’s criticism of Musk and DOGE has drawn attention to his ties to liberal donors, including the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the Omidyar Network. These foundations have provided significant funding to American Compass, with some speculating that Cass’s opposition to DOGE is influenced by his donors’ resistance to the Trump administration.

In addition to his criticism of DOGE, Cass has been a vocal opponent of Trump’s tax cuts, calling them an expensive failure. Despite offering some praise for Trump, Cass has been adamant in his belief that tax cuts are not the solution to improving the economy.

Critics of Cass, such as Mike Palicz of Americans for Tax Reform and David McIntosh of Club for Growth, have accused him of being a paid puppet of the left and undermining conservative principles. However, Cass remains steadfast in his advocacy for limited government and fiscal responsibility.

In response to the controversy, a spokesperson for the Hewlett Foundation stated that they fund grantees across the ideological spectrum, including American Compass, for its efforts to prioritize American prosperity and workers. Fox News Digital reached out to the Omidyar Network and American Compass for comment on the matter.

Despite the backlash, Cass continues to stand by his beliefs and advocacy for responsible government spending. His opposition to DOGE and Trump’s tax policies highlight the ongoing debate within the conservative movement about the best approach to economic policy in the post-Trump era.