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Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has voiced his support for Elon Musk’s ambitious proposal to restructure the U.S. government by reducing its federal agencies from 428 to just 99. The bold plan is part of a new initiative spearheaded by Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy under the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), a key component of former President Donald Trump’s policy agenda for his new administration.
The proposal, which has sparked intense debate, aims to slash bureaucratic waste, consolidate redundant agencies, and reallocate resources to more efficiently serve the public. Johnson has indicated he wants to collaborate with Musk in implementing the reforms, signaling potential support in Congress for the sweeping changes.
Critics of the plan have raised alarms, calling it a dangerous overreach. Many fear that drastic cuts could undermine critical functions of the federal government, from environmental oversight to public health initiatives. Opponents argue that the proposed reductions could jeopardize the efficiency of key departments and leave essential services unaddressed. Democrats, in particular, have expressed concerns that the plan prioritizes corporate interests over public welfare.
Supporters, however, see the move as a necessary step to combat what they describe as runaway government spending and inefficiency. Musk and Ramaswamy have emphasized transparency, pledging to publicly share all proposed changes and solicit input from citizens via social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter). The controversial initiative includes a “leaderboard” ranking what they call “the most wasteful government expenditures,” a feature critics have called both populist and frivolous.
The plan's feasibility remains uncertain, as most federal agencies are established by law and require Congressional approval to modify or eliminate. Legal analysts point out that the restructuring could face significant legislative and judicial hurdles. Nevertheless, Musk and his allies seem undeterred, framing the initiative as a revolutionary shift toward government accountability.
The DOGE initiative aligns with Trump's longstanding goal of reducing federal oversight, a cornerstone of his administrative philosophy. If enacted, this restructuring could mark one of the most significant transformations of the U.S. government in modern history. As discussions unfold, both supporters and critics are preparing for a high-stakes battle that could redefine the role of federal agencies in American society.
