Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposal to cut 75% of federal government agencies is a major step towards streamlining operations and eliminating inefficiencies. Supported by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the plan aims to reduce the current 428 agencies to just 99. This reduction is part of a broader effort to cut bureaucratic waste and focus government resources on essential services that directly benefit the American people.
The federal government spent $6.1 trillion in 2024, with over 70% going toward mandatory programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Meanwhile, non-defense discretionary spending, which makes up just 16% of the budget, has grown bloated with redundant and ineffective agencies. Johnson’s plan targets these excesses, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and PBS, which are often seen as duplicative.
While defense spending still accounts for a significant portion of the budget, Johnson’s plan doesn’t shy away from making cuts there as well. The 2024 defense budget is set at $842 billion, or 13.3% of total spending, but even military departments such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force could see operational reductions. These cuts are designed to eliminate inefficiencies in defense operations without compromising national security.
The proposed cuts will undoubtedly lead to job losses, especially in federal agencies that are eliminated or restructured. However, these steps are necessary for ensuring a more efficient government that spends taxpayer dollars wisely. By cutting wasteful programs and focusing on core services, the government can become more responsive to the needs of the American people.
Though the proposal faces legal and legislative challenges, it presents an opportunity to reevaluate the role of the federal government and make it leaner and more effective. If implemented, this initiative could mark a significant shift in the way the U.S. government operates, ensuring that resources are used where they are most needed, and reducing waste at all levels.
Power must return to the people.
Rule of democracy, not rule of bureaucracy! https://t.co/NKGCpvIc9n
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 7, 2024
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