Rep. Johnny Olszewski, a prominent Democrat and former chief executive of Baltimore County, has strongly criticized Elon Musk’s recent attempts to cut federal government spending, labeling them as chaotic and ineffective. In a recent statement, Olszewski argued that Musk’s efforts to streamline government operations have resulted in minimal progress, with his team only identifying $160 billion in potential savings—well below Musk’s initial $2 trillion target. The congressman suggested that Trump’s decision to rely on Musk’s DOGE team to overhaul government functions has led to widespread disruption, with little to show for the effort.
Speaking on the matter, Olszewski stated that Musk’s approach lacks the necessary structure and planning, leading to a lack of tangible results. He described the impact as ‘wreaking havoc on a civil service that has worked effectively for the American people since 1883,’ pointing out that the damage caused by Musk’s initiatives has led to significant problems for federal employees. Olszewski has also argued that Trump’s push for government efficiency through these efforts may be misguided, as it risks undermining essential public services and potentially jeopardizing the lives of Americans.
In contrast to Musk’s methods, Olszewski highlighted the success of his own efforts in modernizing Baltimore County government. During his tenure, he spearheaded a comprehensive efficiency review of both the county government and its school system, resulting in over $771 million in potential savings. The reforms included practical solutions such as implementing double-sided printing to reduce costs and using smart salt spreaders to improve road maintenance while also being environmentally friendly. Olszewski emphasized that these efforts were employee-centric, involving extensive consultations with both leaders and frontline workers to ensure the solutions were realistic and effective.
While Olszewski’s approach has been praised for its methodical and people-focused nature, he has also criticized the broader trends in government efficiency policies, suggesting that the current strategies employed by Musk and Trump are not only ineffective but also harmful. He has urged President Trump to look beyond Musk’s approach and seek out more sustainable and impactful ways to reform the federal government, including drawing on his own experience as a former county executive.