Summary
Michael Lewis, author of "Blockers, Rebels in the Deep State," examines the tumultuous period of the Trump administration and the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) in a recent discussion. Doge, led by Elon Musk, aimed to streamline government operations but ultimately failed to deliver on its ambitious promises, with independent analyses suggesting minimal savings. The department, characterized as a "phantom" entity, was populated by young, inexperienced staff who were tasked with cutting government inefficiencies but instead caused significant disruption.
Lewis highlights the experiences of federal employees who resisted the administration's attempts to undermine established norms and laws. These civil servants, referred to as "blockers," exemplified a commitment to nonpartisanship and the rule of law, often facing pressure to comply with directives that they deemed illegal. One notable example is Kathleen Walters, the IRS's chief privacy officer, who fought against demands for sensitive tax information from undocumented workers, drawing parallels to historical abuses of power.
The conversation also touches on the long-term implications of Doge's legacy, suggesting that the erosion of trust in government institutions may lead to a broader public recognition of the importance of regulatory frameworks. As the political landscape evolves, Lewis posits that there may be a renewed call for accountability and a reevaluation of the role of government in safeguarding public interests.
Show Notes
On January 20 2025 Donald Trump marked the first day of his second term as president by signing an executive order creating a new taskforce: the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Led by Musk, who had spent more than $250m on Trump’s presidential campaign, DOGE was charged with slashing federal spending, cutting government waste and reducing the size of the workforce. This Friday, Lewis is joined by Michael Lewis, bestselling author of The Big Short, Moneyball and The Blind Side, to discuss his latest book, Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State. It takes us inside Elon Musk’s DOGE through the stories of the civil servants who found themselves labelled as “blockers” as they tried to navigate Musk's leadership. So, what happens when the people responsible for keeping government running become the very people standing in the way of those in power? Was DOGE ever really about efficiency? And who protects the Constitution when those sworn to uphold it are pushed aside? The News Agents is a Global production. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
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