WASHINGTON, D.C. – Despite rising concerns over the sweeping federal spending cuts initiated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Republican governors remain largely supportive of the program, even as state budgets feel the strain and thousands of federal employees lose their jobs.
During the National Governors Association’s winter meeting this week, GOP governors dismissed warnings from Capitol Hill that DOGE’s rapid cost-cutting measures could lead to economic fallout in their states. This support highlights a growing divide between state leaders’ loyalty to President Donald Trump and the public’s increasingly unfavorable view of both Trump’s budget cuts and Musk’s aggressive tactics.
“Some of the negative impacts are grossly exaggerated,” said South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster. “At some point, we’ve got to cut that bureaucracy because it’s strangling prosperity.”
Why Are GOP Governors Supporting DOGE’s Cuts?
Despite the fallout from DOGE’s spending cuts—ranging from massive layoffs to strained state budgets—many Republican governors believe:
- Federal bureaucracy has become bloated and inefficient.
- Aggressive cuts are necessary to stimulate economic growth at the state level.
- The Trump administration’s downsizing efforts will ultimately lead to more state control over how federal funds are spent.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt expressed a common sentiment among GOP governors, arguing for block grants over federal oversight:
“We would prefer more ability to spend the money the way we think we can more efficiently, rather than wash through the federal bureaucracy.”
Growing Public Discontent and Economic Concerns
However, public sentiment is shifting against the Trump administration’s cost-cutting measures. Recent polls show:
- A decline in support for both Elon Musk and DOGE’s cost-cutting initiatives.
- Rising disapproval of Trump’s aggressive budget cuts, especially as federal employees face layoffs.
- Increasing frustration from Republican lawmakers in Trump-friendly districts, as constituents confront them over the economic fallout.
A recent Economist/YouGov poll revealed:
- 51% of Americans believe Musk has too much influence in the Trump administration.
- Only 13% of adults support Musk having significant influence in federal governance.
Cracks Emerging in GOP Support
While most Republican governors remain aligned with Trump’s vision for government downsizing, not all are fully on board:
- Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a moderate Republican, expressed concern about the speed and recklessness of DOGE’s execution.
“You have to be judicious in how you look at things and make sure you’re sensitive to the repercussions,” Scott warned.
- Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) criticized DOGE’s approach as “executive overreach,” urging Congress to have a more active role in reviewing federal cuts:
“There was an opportunity for DOGE to do significant, good things, but now we’re seeing executive overreach.”
State Budgets Under Pressure
The federal cuts are already putting state budgets under strain, particularly in states reliant on federal funding:
- In California, nearly one-third of the state’s overall budget comes from federal funds. Erika Li, a top finance official, warned that federal policy shifts present the “most significant immediate risk” to California’s budget.
- In Oklahoma, federal investments account for nearly 40% of the state’s budget, prompting concerns that DOGE’s cuts could destabilize essential public services.
Even as GOP governors express optimism about state-level control over federal funds, there are fears that the loss of federal support could jeopardize programs related to:
- Public health
- Veterans’ services
- Disaster relief
- Public safety and education
Trump and Musk Double Down Despite Backlash
Despite growing criticism, both Trump and Musk remain undeterred:
- Trump urged Musk to get “more aggressive” in his budget-cutting efforts, according to a post on Truth Social.
- The White House signaled that, while some firings may slow temporarily, the administration remains committed to DOGE’s mission to eliminate what they call “wasteful” federal spending.
“It’s good to shake things up,” said Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon in support of DOGE’s aggressive downsizing.
