‘Not American’: Dem governors lash out at Elon Musk’s ‘cruel’ DOGE efforts
During a press conference held by Democratic governors on Thursday, concerns were raised about the impact of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on Medicaid under President Donald Trump’s second term. The governors sounded the alarm on Trump’s threat to Medicaid and emphasized the importance of protecting the program, which they described as a “life-and-death situation” for many citizens.
Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut expressed his worries about DOGE and its influence on various government departments, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He highlighted the potential budgetary crisis that could arise from unpredictable and last-minute budget cuts, particularly in relation to Medicaid. Lamont estimated that cutting Medicaid could cost $2 billion and criticized the idea of shifting costs onto the states.
Governor Josh Green of Hawaii also condemned DOGE, calling it “cruel” and expressing concerns about the impact on dedicated federal employees who may lose their jobs as a result of budget cuts. Green announced an initiative in Hawaii to hire employees who have been fired by the federal government, emphasizing the need to support these individuals during difficult times.
The governors emphasized the need for a unified messaging strategy to combat DOGE and protect essential government services. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico stressed the importance of efficient and effective government, highlighting the role of governors in identifying and addressing fraud in healthcare and other areas. She criticized the administration for prioritizing tax breaks over essential services and called on more Republicans to stand up against Trump’s agenda.
In conclusion, the Democratic governors pledged to hold the administration accountable and continue advocating for meaningful and efficient government. They emphasized the importance of working together to protect programs like Medicaid and ensure the well-being of all citizens. The governors urged bipartisan cooperation to address the challenges posed by DOGE and uphold the values of the American people.
