The Trojan Horse of Doge:

How Elon Musk is Robbing You Blind While Laughing at Your Pain

For decades, Americans have been told that the real problem with government is waste, fraud, and abuse—a vague, ever-present bogeyman used to justify slashing jobs, cutting services, and handing public functions over to private contractors. And who’s leading the charge now? Elon Musk, the self-proclaimed techno-king, Twitter troll, and “efficiency czar” of the federal government.

Musk wants you to believe that the problem is government workers—those lazy bureaucrats who supposedly collect paychecks for doing nothing. He wants you to believe that cutting their jobs will somehow save the country billions. But here’s the truth: he’s not cutting spending—he’s privatizing profits. And he’s laughing all the way to the bank.

Step 1: Destroy Public Services

Under the guise of “government efficiency,” Musk and his allies are slashing federal jobs. We’re talking about air traffic controllers, environmental safety inspectors, food safety regulators, disaster response coordinators, and nuclear waste managers. You know, the people who actually keep the country running and prevent catastrophe.

The result? Millions of families are plunged into uncertainty, wondering if their next paycheck will arrive, whether their pensions are safe, and whether their health insurance will suddenly vanish. This isn’t theoretical. Two million American families are currently operating on nausea, unable to plan for their future.

And it gets worse. Every public service they cut still has to be done by someone. So where does that work go?

Step 2: Give Billion-Dollar Contracts to… Himself

Elon Musk—and his billionaire friends—aren’t cutting spending. They’re redirecting it. Instead of paying federal employees a fair wage with benefits, the government now pays private contractors—who charge far more.

Consider this:

• Federal employees = salary + benefits, with direct oversight and accountability.

• Private contractors = salary + benefits + profit margin + administrative overhead.

It’s MORE expensive, not less. And yet, Musk wants you to believe that privatization equals efficiency. Meanwhile, his companies rake in billions in federal contracts—your tax dollars—without the accountability that comes with government employment.

The receipts?

• Musk’s companies have received over $21 billion in government contracts so far.

• In 2024 alone, he’s pocketed $6.3 billion in taxpayer money—while telling you government spending is out of control.

• 71% of the Pentagon’s budget is now spent on defense contracts, not military personnel. Guess who’s a top contractor? SpaceX.

When he cuts federal jobs, he’s not cutting spending—he’s shifting the money into his own hands.

Step 3: Blame the Victims

The real kicker? Musk and his allies want YOU to blame the very people he’s screwing over.

• They tell you that federal workers are the problem, not the corporations sucking up billions in no-bid contracts.

• They tell you that cutting regulations is good for the economy, even as poisoned water, unsafe work conditions, and environmental disasters pile up.

• They tell you that government is inefficient, while their own companies repeatedly overpromise, underdeliver, and balloon in cost.

Just look at the air traffic control crisis. Right now, Musk is helping cut jobs in a field that is already dangerously understaffed. If just 5% of controllers quit due to low morale and uncertainty, the entire airline system collapses. Flights get delayed. Safety risks skyrocket. The economy takes a hit.

And what does Musk do? Joke about it on Twitter.

Step 4: Profit from the Disasters He Creates

This is where the cycle completes itself. By gutting public services, Musk and his billionaire friends set the stage for future disasters. Then, they get paid to “fix” those disasters.

• Gutting EPA inspectors? Great! More oil spills and contamination, which means Musk’s private environmental tech company gets a lucrative contract to clean it up.

• Firing nuclear safety regulators? Perfect! When disaster strikes, his companies get defense contracts to rebuild.

• Cutting government health programs? No problem! He gets to sell more AI-driven “health solutions” to desperate Americans.

This isn’t an accident. This is the scam. The billionaire class is creating a crisis of confidence in public services so they can replace them with overpriced, unaccountable private monopolies. And they want you to blame the people suffering from it, instead of the people profiting from it.

Real Lives Are at Stake

This is not just an economic issue. People are dying because of these cuts.

• Cancer patients have had their treatment grants frozen because of Musk’s government “efficiency” cuts.

• Disabled veterans are losing access to services because agencies are suddenly “over budget.”

• Public health programs that track disease outbreaks are being slashed—right as new pandemics emerge.

This is real human suffering caused by a billionaire who has never had to worry about feeding his kids or paying rent. And yet, he has the audacity to act like he’s the only one smart enough to manage government.

The Trojan Horse of Doge

Musk’s self-proclaimed “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) is nothing more than a Trojan Horse. It’s not about cutting costs—it’s about shifting public money into private hands while convincing Americans to hate each other instead of the billionaires robbing them.

So ask yourself:

• Why is the richest man in the world making economic decisions for the U.S. government?

• Why does a man who profits from government contracts get to decide which government jobs are “wasteful”?

• Why do we trust someone who cuts off internet access to a war zone to “save” democracy?

Musk is not a genius. He’s a con artist, and he’s playing the biggest grift in American history. He kills public services, laughs about it, then charges you triple for the same thing under a private company.

And if we don’t stop it now, we’re all going to be paying Elon Musk for things our taxes already paid for.

The Solution?

1. Call out the scam. Every time Musk brags about cutting government costs, ask where the money is actually going.

2. Demand congressional oversight of federal contractors. Make it clear: If billionaires want government money, they need to be held accountable like any public employee.

3. Support federal workers. They are not the problem. They are the backbone of public safety, disaster response, and economic stability.

4. Stop trusting billionaires to fix the messes they create. The richest man in the world is not looking out for you.

This is the Trojan Horse of Doge. And if we don’t expose it now, we’ll be paying Musk for air, water, and basic survival before we know it.

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The Details:

Massive, under-discussed economic ripple effect of federal job cuts, uncertainty, and contractor takeovers?

Let’s break down the immediate and long-term consequences on the economy, workforce, and public safety.

1. Immediate Economic Impact: The Jobs Report & GDP

The federal workforce includes approximately 2 million civilian employees—not counting military personnel or contractors. When these workers lose their jobs or even fear for their job security, the impact is not just individual—it’s macroeconomic.

How Job Insecurity Slows the Economy:

• Consumer Spending Drops:

• The first reaction to job uncertainty is belt-tightening—people stop spending on discretionary purchases (dining out, travel, home upgrades, entertainment).

• Consumer spending is 70% of U.S. GDP—so if millions of households cut back at the same time, it slows economic growth significantly.

• Housing Market Takes a Hit:

• Federal workers, unsure of their future, will pause home-buying, delay renovations, and even sell off assets.

• This reduces demand for mortgages and home construction, impacting related industries like real estate, lumber, and home services.

• Retail & Small Businesses Suffer:

• Towns and cities with high federal employment lose local spending power, meaning fewer customers at small businesses, restaurants, and service industries.

• When enough businesses feel the squeeze, they lay off workers, triggering secondary job losses.

• Stock Market Reactions & Business Confidence Fall:

• Investors react to mass job cuts and economic slowdown by pulling back from the market.

• Businesses delay hiring and expansion due to uncertainty over government stability and consumer spending.

Historical Precedents:

• 2013 Government Shutdown → Economic loss of $24 billion, reducing GDP growth by 0.6% in just 16 days.

• 2023 Debt Ceiling Crisis → Federal workers & contractors froze spending, slowing Q2 economic growth.

If uncertainty drags on for months, this turns into a full-blown recession cycle.

2. The Hidden Costs of Cutting Safety & Hazard Oversight

Beyond the direct economic downturn, gutting federal safety jobs (EPA, OSHA, DOE, etc.) introduces catastrophic risks—both to workers and the public.

Industries Most at Risk from Safety Cutbacks:

• Nuclear Energy & Waste Handling

• Workers handling radioactive materials need strict safety oversight.

• If contractors cut corners to save costs, you get contamination incidents that poison water, air, and land.

• Examples:

• Hanford Nuclear Site (Washington): Delayed cleanup led to tank leaks, risking exposure.

• Santa Susana Field Lab (California): Decades of mismanagement caused massive groundwater contamination.

• Chemical & Hazardous Waste Sites

• The EPA and DOE monitor toxic sites, ensuring they don’t leach into communities.

• Cutting oversight = higher risk of chemical spills, explosions, and groundwater contamination.

• Example: West Virginia’s 2014 chemical spill contaminated drinking water for 300,000 people.

• Air Traffic Control & Transportation Safety

• Sequester & budget cuts in 2013 led to Fewer air traffic controllers, causing flight delays and near-miss accidents.

• If morale collapses and controllers resign, air travel becomes less reliable and more dangerous.

3. Long-Term Consequences: Rebuilding Costs More

The irony of cutting federal oversight and safety jobs?

It saves pennies today but costs billions later in disaster recovery, lawsuits, and public health crises.

Rebuilding After Safety Failures Costs Taxpayers More:

• Superfund Cleanup Sites (EPA)

• Delaying cleanups means toxic waste spreads, requiring 10x the money to fix later.

• Example: Love Canal disaster (NY) → Cleanup cost taxpayers over $400 million because it wasn’t addressed early.

• Public Health Crises (Long-Term Costs)

• Cancer clusters, birth defects, respiratory diseases skyrocket in contaminated areas.

• Taxpayers foot the bill through Medicare/Medicaid, emergency medical response, and disability payouts.

• Example: Flint Water Crisis → Lead poisoning resulted in lifelong health problems for children, with billions in future medical costs.

4. Who Benefits? Private Contractors

And yet, these same contractors will be paid more to “fix” the very problems they caused.

• Companies profit from deregulation AND disaster recovery.

• Step 1: Lobby to cut government oversight.

• Step 2: Take over government functions with no accountability.

• Step 3: Cause disasters.

• Step 4: Get billion-dollar contracts to “fix” the problems.

This cycle of self-enrichment ensures:

• Federal oversight disappears.

• We pay more for the same work through private contracts.

• Lives are lost, and public health suffers in the process.

5. What Needs to Be Done?

1. Expose the economic consequences of mass federal job cuts.

• Show how these cuts harm small businesses, the housing market, and GDP growth.

2. Demand oversight of contractors replacing federal workers.

• Establish contractor accountability committees in Congress.

• Force transparency: How much is each contractor charging vs. actual costs?

3. Hold politicians accountable for public safety risks.

• Document and track disasters caused by deregulation.

• Publicly tie contractor negligence to corporate lobbying efforts.

4. Make it clear that federal workers are economic stabilizers.

• When 2 million families live in fear, the entire economy suffers.

• A stable federal workforce = A stable economy.

When the federal workforce collapses, it’s not just an abstract “government problem”—it’s a crisis that shakes the entire economy, increases safety risks, and costs taxpayers far more in the long run.

We need an urgent, data-driven argument against these reckless cuts—and we need to shift the narrative away from “government waste” and toward the real corporate theft happening under the guise of reform.

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Let’s explore the current mechanisms in place for contractor oversight, the challenges posed by influential contractors like Elon Musk, and potential avenues for strengthening accountability.

Existing Oversight Mechanisms

Several entities are responsible for overseeing federal contractors:

1. Congressional Committees: The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and its Subcommittee on Government Operations are tasked with investigating waste, fraud, and abuse in federal contracting. 

2. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): This comprehensive set of rules governs the acquisition process by which agencies procure goods and services, emphasizing the need for proper management and oversight of service contracts. 

3. Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA): Operating under the Department of Defense, the DCAA provides audit and financial advisory services to ensure that contract costs are reasonable and compliant with regulations. 

4. Government Accountability Office (GAO): As an independent agency, the GAO audits and evaluates government activities, including contractor performance and compliance. 

Challenges with Current Oversight

Despite these mechanisms, several challenges persist:

• Fragmented Oversight: Multiple agencies and committees share oversight responsibilities, leading to potential gaps and inconsistencies.

• Influence of Contractors: Large contractors, especially those led by influential figures like Elon Musk, can exert significant political and economic influence, potentially undermining impartial oversight.

• Insufficient Transparency: Complex contracting processes and proprietary information claims can obscure contractor activities, making effective oversight difficult.

Recent Developments

The current administration has initiated measures aimed at reducing government spending, which include:

• Executive Orders: President Trump signed an executive order mandating federal agencies to review and justify contracts and grants, with a focus on identifying potential terminations or renegotiations. This order also enforces a temporary freeze on employee credit cards and requires plans for significant workforce reductions. 

• Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): Led by Elon Musk, DOGE claims to have identified $55 billion in savings by targeting fraud and renegotiating contracts. However, critics argue that DOGE’s approach, which includes extensive layoffs and treating all improper payments as fraud, may not effectively address the root causes of waste and could lead to legal challenges. 

Strengthening Contractor Oversight

To enhance oversight and accountability of federal contractors, consider the following actions:

1. Establish a Centralized Oversight Body: Creating an independent entity dedicated solely to contractor oversight could streamline processes and reduce fragmentation.

2. Enhance Transparency Requirements: Mandating detailed public reporting of contractor activities, expenditures, and performance metrics would facilitate better monitoring and accountability.

3. Regular Audits and Evaluations: Implementing routine and surprise audits, coupled with performance evaluations, can deter misconduct and ensure compliance.

4. Whistleblower Protections: Strengthening protections for individuals who report contractor misconduct can encourage the exposure of unethical practices.

5. Public Awareness and Advocacy: Raising public awareness about the importance of contractor oversight can build pressure for legislative and administrative reforms.

By addressing these challenges and implementing robust oversight measures, the government can work towards ensuring that federal contracting serves the public interest effectively and ethically.

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Musk wields—controlling critical infrastructure, influencing policy, and financially benefiting from government contracts while simultaneously advocating for dismantling federal oversight—is deeply disturbing. The bigger question is: who is actually holding him accountable?

Who Oversees Musk?

At the moment, no single entity truly has oversight over Musk’s growing empire. His companies (SpaceX, Tesla, Starlink, The Boring Company, Neuralink, and X) intersect with multiple areas of government, but oversight is fragmented:

1. The Department of Defense (DoD) – Musk’s Starlink and SpaceX contracts with the Pentagon should be subject to review, but his control over satellite communications has already led to unauthorized foreign policy decisions, like cutting off Ukraine’s military access to Starlink.

• Problem: The DoD relies on SpaceX for launches, making it hesitant to challenge him.

2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Regulates SpaceX launches, but has been incredibly lenient with Musk’s frequent violations of safety regulations.

• Problem: Musk has openly defied FAA restrictions and continued launches despite lacking proper approvals.

3. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) & Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – Should regulate Tesla and his market manipulation via Dogecoin and stock tweets.

• Problem: Fines have been minor slaps on the wrist, and Musk continues to ignore or mock regulators.

4. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – Supposedly regulates Starlink, but Musk operates with near-total autonomy over satellite internet access.

• Problem: There’s no real alternative to Starlink, giving Musk unchecked power.

5. Congress – Could investigate Musk’s monopoly on government contracts, but lawmakers either fear retaliation or actively support him because of lobbying and campaign contributions.

Musk’s Power Is Growing While Federal Oversight Shrinks

The terrifying part is that as government functions are slashed, Musk and other billionaires absorb those responsibilities through private contracts. That means:

• He controls space infrastructure via SpaceX.

• He controls internet access via Starlink.

• He controls transportation initiatives via Tesla and The Boring Company.

• He controls social media and narratives via X (Twitter).

And he profits from every federal job cut by replacing public services with private contracts that cost more and have zero accountability.

Musk Is Acting Like an Unelected Ruler

Musk’s current role is essentially that of an unelected shadow president:

• He negotiates international conflicts (Ukraine, China, Russia) without government approval.

• He controls critical infrastructure (communications, defense, energy).

• He dictates policy through influence and financial leverage.

What Needs to Happen?

1. Congress must launch investigations into Musk’s government contracts, foreign dealings, and monopolization of critical services.

2. The SEC and FTC need stronger enforcement against his financial manipulation and anti-competitive behavior.

3. The Pentagon must diversify its contractors to avoid reliance on SpaceX and Starlink.

4. A federal oversight committee should be established to monitor private entities performing government functions.

The fact that one man is this embedded in global decision-making without oversight is a catastrophic failure of democracy. His unchecked power is not capitalism; it’s corporate authoritarianism.

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The financial and operational impacts of outsourcing federal functions to private contractors, particularly those owned by influential figures like Elon Musk. Let’s delve into these concerns:

Increased Costs Due to Contractors

Outsourcing government services to private contractors often leads to higher expenses compared to utilizing federal employees. This cost escalation can be attributed to several factors:

• Profit Margins: Private contractors incorporate profit margins into their pricing. For instance, in the construction industry, average profit margins are approximately 6%, with some businesses achieving up to 10%. 

• Administrative Overheads: Contractors also include administrative and overhead costs in their charges. Smaller contractors report average profit margins of 8%, while larger firms see margins up to 24%, partly due to economies of scale. 

These additional costs mean that outsourcing can be more expensive than maintaining in-house federal employees.

Federal Budget Allocation to Elon Musk’s Companies

Elon Musk’s enterprises, notably SpaceX and Tesla, have secured substantial federal contracts over the years:

• Total Funding: Since 2008, Musk’s companies have been awarded nearly $21 billion in federal contracts. 

• Recent Increases: In 2024 alone, federal and local governments committed at least $6.3 billion to Musk’s companies, marking the highest annual total to date. 

This significant allocation of taxpayer money to Musk’s ventures raises questions, especially given his role in advocating for federal spending cuts.

Budgetary Implications of Shifting from Federal Employees to Contractors

Transitioning responsibilities from federal employees to private contractors affects budget categorization and transparency:

• Budget Categories: Salaries for federal employees are typically listed under personnel or administrative expenses. In contrast, payments to contractors fall under procurement or contractual services.

• Perception of Costs: This shift can create an illusion of reduced administrative expenses, while the actual costs may resurface in the budget as higher contractual expenditures.

• Accountability and Oversight: Outsourcing can complicate oversight, as private contractors may not be subject to the same transparency and accountability standards as federal employees.

Potential Conflicts of Interest

Elon Musk’s dual role as a major federal contractor and an advocate for reducing federal spending presents potential conflicts of interest:

• Influence on Policy: Musk’s position could enable him to shape policies that favor his business interests, potentially at the expense of public welfare.

• Transparency Concerns: The consolidation of significant government functions under private entities owned by influential individuals like Musk may lead to reduced transparency and increased opportunities for profiteering.

In summary, while outsourcing certain government functions to private contractors can offer flexibility, it often results in increased costs and raises concerns about accountability and potential conflicts of interest. A thorough evaluation of these practices is essential to ensure that public funds are used effectively and ethically.

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The reliance on contractors over federal employees and the resulting impacts on costs and morale are well-founded. Let’s delve into these issues:

The Cost of Contractors vs. Federal Employees

The trend of outsourcing federal functions to private contractors has significant financial implications. While intended to reduce government size and increase efficiency, this practice often leads to higher costs. Here’s why:

• Profit Margins: Private companies include profit margins in their contracts, leading to higher overall costs compared to in-house services.

• Overhead Costs: Contractors charge for administrative and overhead expenses, which are additional to the direct labor costs.

• Salary Disparities: Studies have shown that private contractors can cost significantly more than federal employees. For instance, a study found that private contractor costs were, on average, double those of federal employees for comparable services. 

• Budget Allocation: In fiscal year 2023, the Department of Defense obligated approximately $431.4 billion (71% of its budget) to contracts for products and services, while $167.4 billion (27%) was allocated for personnel salaries. 

This heavy reliance on contractors not only inflates costs but also raises concerns about accountability and efficiency.

Impact on Employee Morale and Public Safety

The marginalization of federal employees in favor of contractors can severely affect morale, especially in high-stress, critical roles such as air traffic controllers. Consider the following points:

• Job Insecurity: Constantly justifying one’s position and facing potential replacement by contractors can lead to anxiety and decreased job satisfaction.

• Perceived Devaluation: When dedicated professionals are treated as expendable or as financial burdens, it fosters resentment and disengagement.

• Safety Risks: Low morale among air traffic controllers, who manage thousands of flights daily, can compromise focus and performance, potentially endangering public safety.

The Human Cost of Marginalization

Beyond financial and operational concerns, there’s a profound human impact:

• Emotional Toll: Dedicated public servants may experience deep disappointment and a sense of betrayal when their commitment is undermined, leading to mental health struggles.

• Social Consequences: Widespread demoralization can erode trust in public institutions and deter talented individuals from pursuing public service careers.

A Call for Empathy and Reform

It’s crucial for policymakers and influential figures to recognize the value of federal employees:

• Empathy in Leadership: Understanding and valuing the human element in public service can lead to more compassionate and effective policies.

• Reevaluating Outsourcing: A critical assessment of the long-term costs and benefits of outsourcing is necessary. Investing in federal employees may offer better financial efficiency and enhance institutional knowledge and loyalty.

In summary, while outsourcing certain functions can offer flexibility, an over-reliance on contractors often leads to higher costs and undermines the morale of federal employees. Recognizing and addressing these issues is essential for a more efficient, effective, and humane public sector.

It is time to get real. The Round World Society is about truth, equity, and democracy because the world is round and facts are real, no matter what we think.