Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy Take on the IRS and Federal Spending
Entrepreneur Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are on a mission to shake up Washington by targeting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and slashing federal spending. Their ambitious plans include gutting the IRS budget, reimagining tax handling for Americans, and cutting $2 trillion in federal spending through their Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E).
Elon Musk has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the IRS, citing inefficiency and scandals that have plagued the agency for years. He proposes a free tax-filing app, advocating for audits, and calling for massive layoffs to reduce what he sees as “administrative overgrowth.”
With the support of the public, Elon conducted a poll on X, where over 60% of respondents voted to delete the IRS budget altogether.
But their ambitions don’t stop at the IRS. D.O.G.E is also targeting other agencies for budget cuts, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Department of Education, and even the Pentagon.
Slashing Federal Spending Across the Board
D.O.G.E’s $2 trillion spending cut plan includes targeting multiple agencies and programs. The CFPB, which Elon Musk wants to delete, has faced criticism for overlapping with other agencies, making it redundant. The Department of Education is also in the crosshairs, with Vivek Ramaswamy suggesting mass reductions and the possibility of wiping out entire agencies.
Even the Pentagon’s $1 trillion budget is under scrutiny, with Vivek criticizing the Department of Defense for what he calls rampant waste. D.O.G.E also plans to redirect funds from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to other areas.
In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy criticized unauthorized federal spending, highlighting the need for accountability and efficiency in government operations.
Overhauling the IRS
Elon Musk has been in talks to develop a government-backed tax-filing app as part of efforts to streamline tax season and eliminate third-party services like TurboTax. The goal is to simplify the tax code and make the process less burdensome for taxpayers.
D.O.G.E’s plans for the IRS include auditing the agency, reviewing its spending, and cutting its workforce to reduce administrative bloat. Elon Musk has even suggested relocating IRS offices out of Washington to lower operational costs.
Job losses are expected as part of D.O.G.E’s aggressive strategy, with proposals for large-scale firings, severance payments, and incentives for early retirement. The goal is to assess staffing needs and retain only essential personnel.
While specific plans for other agencies like the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and Securities and Exchange Commission have not been disclosed, cuts are anticipated as part of D.O.G.E’s overall mission to streamline government operations and improve efficiency.
Critics of the IRS point to outdated technology, delays in processing tax returns, and instances of fraud and mismanagement within the agency. Elon Musk’s push for reform aligns with a growing sentiment that the IRS is in need of a major overhaul to restore public trust and accountability.
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