Tesla CEO Elon Musk has received an unexpected ally in his efforts to reduce the size of the federal government: Democratic Socialist Senator Bernie Sanders.

Sanders, known for his progressive views, voiced support for Musk’s plans to cut defense spending, which have drawn attention due to their contrast with typical political divides.

Sanders Weighs In on Defense Budget

The Vermont senator, who has previously run for president and gained widespread recognition for his progressive policies, expressed his approval on social media.

He stated, “Elon Musk is right,” referencing Musk’s push to reduce waste in the defense budget.

Sanders pointed out that only 13 senators voted against the military-industrial complex last year, calling for a change in how defense funds are allocated.

Sanders highlighted the need for reform in what he views as a system filled with waste and fraud.

Democrats Open to Musk’s Proposals

Bernie Sanders is not the only Democrat supporting Musk’s stance.

Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, has also expressed willingness to work on reforming the defense budget.

Khanna, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, pointed to the nearly trillion-dollar defense budget as an area where bipartisan collaboration is possible.

He noted that extensive reporting on waste and fraud in the defense sector could provide common ground for lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to find solutions.

A Mission to Slash Government Spending

Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, both of whom were appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to examine government spending, are now focused on making substantial cuts to federal expenses.

Their task is to propose reductions and improvements to government operations, including defense spending, within the next two years.

Trump has set a goal for their work to culminate by July 4, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a government that is smaller, more efficient, and less bogged down by bureaucracy.

Ramaswamy and Musk Push for More Effective Spending

Both Musk and Ramaswamy have emphasized the need for more effective use of defense funds rather than simply increasing the budget.

Musk echoed Ramaswamy’s sentiment on social media, affirming that their new department, known as DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), would focus on improving defense spending efficiency.

In their op-ed for the Wall Street Journal, the duo made the case for cutting waste in the Department of Defense, which has failed to pass a single audit since 2018 despite being the largest discretionary spending department in the U.S. federal budget.

Pentagon’s Struggles with Financial Accountability

The Pentagon’s financial troubles are well-documented, as the department continues to struggle with passing audits.

In fact, the Pentagon has failed its seventh consecutive audit, a worrying sign for many who question how the agency is managing its vast budget, which exceeds $800 billion annually.

Despite these ongoing issues, Pentagon officials, such as Undersecretary Michael McCord, insist that the department is making progress and aims to secure a clean audit by 2028.

The Role of Private Contractors in Defense Spending

A significant portion of the Pentagon’s budget goes to private defense contractors, with $431.4 billion, or 71% of the budget, allocated to them in 2023.

Companies like Lockheed Martin, RTX, and General Dynamics receive lucrative contracts with little transparency on how those funds are spent.

Lockheed Martin, for instance, made $61.4 billion in government sales, with over 74% of its revenue coming from U.S. government contracts.

The Growing Cost of Defense

The overall U.S. defense budget for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $841 billion, a significant portion of the federal budget.

However, the Department of Defense faces growing financial challenges, as it has $4.1 trillion in assets but also $4.3 trillion in liabilities.

The department has acknowledged that it is unable to account for half of its assets, which raises further questions about financial management and accountability in the defense sector.

What’s Next for Government Efficiency?

As Musk, Ramaswamy, and other reform-minded lawmakers push for cuts and improvements, the future of the U.S. government’s financial landscape remains uncertain.

The goal is clear: make government spending more efficient, reduce waste, and create a more accountable system.

The success of these efforts will depend on the ability to find common ground and implement real change.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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