DOGE may be gone, but it's not a victory. As someone directly effected by their threats, the deferred resignation program (DRP), and looming RIF's and reorganizations, they won. We lost about a third to DRP- and I don't blame people for leaving! But that work still needs done, so who do you think has to double up? No hiring is happening- not that I really want anyone who could get hired right now to work with me with all the loyalty stuff they're putting into it.
Even though my department was fully funded after a month and a half long shutdown, we're not getting funds like normal- instead they are doling it out monthly. Like children, federal departments are having to save up their allowance to make large purchases that are necessary. Add on to that- the purchase cards of many are still set to $1. We went from 20 cardholders to 1. Now a scientist is making purchases for all of us and doing nothing else. Oh- and they can't properly spend because their monthly limit didn't budge.
DOGE did it's damage and disappeared because it's job was done. We're thoroughly terrorized, exhausted and demoralized. The public may not yet feel the full effect of DOGE, but they will. And I have so little hope of restoration to what we once were. Who would want to come work here now?
Gabe , this was another excellent column. In particular, I value the long view analysis into the underpinnings of what happened during the first year of Trump's term that are beginning to catch up to him. Not many people can navigate through the trees to uncover the forest as well as you just did. Thank you for your thoughtful commentary.
I understand the motivation behind a lot of Trump’s early moves. But what I do not understand is the unnecessary cruelty and carelessness. The cruelty is nauseating and the carelessness is breathtaking. And ultimately, regardless of the legality or illegality of his actions, these will be his undoing.
In light of what the president is proposing now, it looks like he is going after buildings rather than people. Ready to destroy historic buildings in DC without permits or regulations? He has just begun with the east wing of the White House, but it seems very likely that he will not stop there. My question is: Who will stop him?
Superb framing of CECOT as the defining overstep of this term. Judge Xinis finding no valid removal order for Abrego Garcia is the part that gets overlooked, it basically means the entire deportation pipeline was built on legal quicksand. I've followed cases where Boasberg's verbal order got ignored mid-flight, and the fact the D.C. Circuit keeps bouncing this contempt hearing around shows how messy judical pushback has been. Wild to think this all happened in March.
Very interesting article. Many seem to forget that 85.9 million eligible voters did not vote in 2024. Mr. Trump received 76.8 million votes and Ms Harris 74.3 million. So, if I am a judge of the situation the "no vote" won the 2024 election. Just my humble opinion. (Hope I haven't upset anyone. Have a nice day.)
Great point. I wonder what percent of elections are won by a No vote. I'm guessing the great majority. If so, it's a comment on politics or voters in America more than any particular election. Sad.
“...the lesson that what seems like a power flex at one time can look different after several months, once it runs into political and legal realities.”
There is a year between now and next year's election. There are three political hot points around the world, Iran/Israel, China and Ukraine. The liklelihood of one of them (my bet Ukraine) blowing up in the next 6 months is high. Americans love righteous wars, at least at the outset. And if it happens your above-noted description may well come back to haunt you.
DOGE may be gone, but it's not a victory. As someone directly effected by their threats, the deferred resignation program (DRP), and looming RIF's and reorganizations, they won. We lost about a third to DRP- and I don't blame people for leaving! But that work still needs done, so who do you think has to double up? No hiring is happening- not that I really want anyone who could get hired right now to work with me with all the loyalty stuff they're putting into it.
Even though my department was fully funded after a month and a half long shutdown, we're not getting funds like normal- instead they are doling it out monthly. Like children, federal departments are having to save up their allowance to make large purchases that are necessary. Add on to that- the purchase cards of many are still set to $1. We went from 20 cardholders to 1. Now a scientist is making purchases for all of us and doing nothing else. Oh- and they can't properly spend because their monthly limit didn't budge.
DOGE did it's damage and disappeared because it's job was done. We're thoroughly terrorized, exhausted and demoralized. The public may not yet feel the full effect of DOGE, but they will. And I have so little hope of restoration to what we once were. Who would want to come work here now?
Gabe , this was another excellent column. In particular, I value the long view analysis into the underpinnings of what happened during the first year of Trump's term that are beginning to catch up to him. Not many people can navigate through the trees to uncover the forest as well as you just did. Thank you for your thoughtful commentary.
Spending time with a self-centered person is exhausting. Put that person in charge, and you get 'this'....
I understand the motivation behind a lot of Trump’s early moves. But what I do not understand is the unnecessary cruelty and carelessness. The cruelty is nauseating and the carelessness is breathtaking. And ultimately, regardless of the legality or illegality of his actions, these will be his undoing.
Well said.
I can't believe this is how I found out Rob Reiner died
Are ICE agents still detaining 3,000 people a day? If they are, why isn’t that top-of-the-fold headline news every day?
In light of what the president is proposing now, it looks like he is going after buildings rather than people. Ready to destroy historic buildings in DC without permits or regulations? He has just begun with the east wing of the White House, but it seems very likely that he will not stop there. My question is: Who will stop him?
Superb framing of CECOT as the defining overstep of this term. Judge Xinis finding no valid removal order for Abrego Garcia is the part that gets overlooked, it basically means the entire deportation pipeline was built on legal quicksand. I've followed cases where Boasberg's verbal order got ignored mid-flight, and the fact the D.C. Circuit keeps bouncing this contempt hearing around shows how messy judical pushback has been. Wild to think this all happened in March.
This president never fails to nauseate me everyday.
Very interesting article. Many seem to forget that 85.9 million eligible voters did not vote in 2024. Mr. Trump received 76.8 million votes and Ms Harris 74.3 million. So, if I am a judge of the situation the "no vote" won the 2024 election. Just my humble opinion. (Hope I haven't upset anyone. Have a nice day.)
Great point. I wonder what percent of elections are won by a No vote. I'm guessing the great majority. If so, it's a comment on politics or voters in America more than any particular election. Sad.
I wouldn't agree that Trump is *learning* anything, but do agree that this is a very thoughtful column. Thank you.
A reminder, as you stated:
“...the lesson that what seems like a power flex at one time can look different after several months, once it runs into political and legal realities.”
There is a year between now and next year's election. There are three political hot points around the world, Iran/Israel, China and Ukraine. The liklelihood of one of them (my bet Ukraine) blowing up in the next 6 months is high. Americans love righteous wars, at least at the outset. And if it happens your above-noted description may well come back to haunt you.