Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing for a radical shift in federal spending, drawing inspiration from the cryptocurrency DOGE and Elon Musk’s defiance of criticism. In a recent X post, DeSantis praised Musk’s ‘boldness’ in taking on the establishment, even as he faced firebombing of his car dealerships and intense media scrutiny. The governor is urging Republican lawmakers to follow Florida’s lead in implementing similar cost-cutting measures.
DeSantis highlighted that Florida’s executive branch has been successful in reducing government waste and increasing affordability, a feat he attributes to DOGE-inspired reforms. He noted that the average Floridian’s share of state debt is significantly lower than the federal average, suggesting that similar strategies could be applied nationally. However, DeSantis expressed frustration that Congress has not acted on the proposed cuts, even though the GOP has long promised to reduce government spending.
DeSantis also criticized the current political environment, arguing that the GOP has become paralyzed by its own bureaucracy, making it difficult to pass meaningful spending reductions. He pointed to the need for constitutional amendments and term limits to ensure accountability and reform. His comments align with a broader conservative push to reduce government size and increase efficiency, a goal that Musk’s DOGE project is often portrayed as embodying.
House Republicans have faced challenges in passing the ‘big beautiful bill,’ which aims to address mandatory spending issues but excludes DOGE-specific cuts. The legislative process is further complicated by the need for a formal rescission request from the Office of Management and Budget, which could delay any action. DeSantis’s call to action reflects a growing frustration within the GOP over the lack of progress on fiscal reform, even as the party continues to face internal debates and political pressures.