Former President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and I share a common goal: curbing the trillions of dollars wasted by the federal government. I've dedicated years to fighting government waste, and I'm eager to collaborate with anyone serious about making our government more efficient and saving taxpayer money. The key is targeting the right areas. Instead of slashing aid for those who depend on Medicare, Social Security, and the VA, we should focus on the billionaires and corporations profiting excessively from taxpayer dollars.
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initially pledged to cut $2 trillion in government waste, but this ambitious target quickly dwindled to $1 trillion – all before a single dollar was saved. I've analyzed the numbers and identified $2 trillion in potential savings over the next decade by focusing on those who are enriching themselves at the government's expense. I recently sent Musk my detailed plan outlining precisely how to achieve these savings.
Congressional Republicans' initial proposals involve cuts to vital government programs that millions of Americans rely on, including Social Security, nursing home care, and private health insurance subsidies. Cutting these essential services is not efficiency; it's heartless. Evicting seniors from nursing homes or canceling insurance coverage will only exacerbate hardship for families already struggling to make ends meet. If Musk and the Republicans pursue this path, it will be devastating for working families, and I will vehemently oppose it.
We don't need to sacrifice programs that Americans depend on. We can eliminate at least $2 trillion in government waste over the next ten years without impacting programs that support our seniors, veterans, and children. I have 30 specific proposals to achieve this, detailed in my letter to Musk. Here are a few examples:
First, we can negotiate better contracts for the Department of Defense (DoD). In 2023, the DoD spent $440.7 billion on contracts, often riddled with overcharges by large contractors. Examples abound: the Air Force pays exorbitant prices for soap dispensers, and the Army overpays for simple pins. The DoD's spending is so uncontrolled that it's the only government agency unable to pass an audit. My recommendations on Defense spending alone would save nearly $200 billion over the next 12 years.
Second, taxpayers are being exploited by for-profit health insurance companies, particularly within the Medicare Advantage program. Originally intended to reduce costs for seniors, this program has become a profit center for insurers who manipulate claims and deny coverage. Experts estimate these insurers overcharged taxpayers by tens of billions of dollars in 2024 alone. Addressing these abusive practices could save over a trillion dollars over ten years without reducing Medicare benefits.
Third, we can crack down on healthcare profiteering. This is not a partisan issue. I've collaborated with Republicans to reclaim billions from corporations overcharging for healthcare. Expanding Medicare price negotiations for expensive drugs could save taxpayers another $200 billion over the next decade.
Finally, we can improve our financial standing by ensuring the wealthiest pay their fair share. Hedge funds and private equity firms exploit loopholes to avoid paying billions in taxes annually. Closing these loopholes and empowering the IRS to pursue wealthy tax evaders could generate substantial revenue.
My proposals for spending cuts and loophole closures will save $2 trillion. I challenge Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and the DOGE project to demonstrate the same courage and commitment to tackling the defense contractors, health insurance giants, and other corporations that are exploiting the American people. I have the plan; let's work together to get it done.
