SPARTANBURG, S.C. — At a recent OneSpartanburg town hall event, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) expressed strong support for Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—the Trump administration’s controversial initiative aimed at cutting government spending and rooting out waste.
Norman, who represents South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District, called Musk “the only man who could do that” in reference to uncovering what he described as “massive amounts of fraud” within federal agencies—a claim that many DOGE critics continue to dispute.
“If you haven’t read his biography, you should. He is a genius,” Norman added, referring to Musk’s leadership capabilities.
DOGE Cuts and Tariffs: A ‘Shock’ for South Carolina
Norman warned attendees that both DOGE-driven spending cuts and Trump’s proposed import tariffs would have a significant economic impact on South Carolina:
- Tariffs: Norman acknowledged that tariffs will increase prices across industries but insisted that they could be used as leverage for better trade deals and tougher immigration controls.
- Federal Spending Cuts: Government programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security are reportedly under review by DOGE, though Norman assured constituents that essential services would not face cuts.
“There’s not going to be cuts in Social Security,” Norman said, attempting to ease concerns from attendees.
However, critics remain skeptical about how proposed cuts might indirectly affect vulnerable populations who rely on government programs for basic support.
Concerns About Education Cuts and DEI Program Elimination
One of the most pressing issues raised during the town hall was the future of public education under DOGE’s cost-cutting measures:
- Potential Cuts to Federal Education Funding: Norman acknowledged that public education spending could be scrutinized, including the potential elimination of the federal Department of Education as suggested by the Trump administration.
- DEI Program Elimination: Norman voiced his support for dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at all levels of education.
These comments drew concern from attendees like Sherry Mariable, a job coach at McCarthy Teszler School for special needs students:
“We are concerned – teachers are afraid,” Mariable said, adding that DEI programs often help students with disabilities access training and employment opportunities.
Although Norman claimed he would fight for students with disabilities—citing his own children’s work in special education—critics fear the elimination of DEI programs could undermine protections and opportunities for vulnerable students.
Economic Policies and Tax Reform
Beyond social programs and education, Norman also highlighted the Trump administration’s broader economic plans:
- Energy Policy: He reaffirmed his support for expanding domestic energy production, suggesting that energy independence would help reduce inflation and strengthen the economy.
- Tax Cuts: Norman voiced confidence that Republicans will succeed in making Trump-era tax cuts from his first term permanent.
Mixed Reactions from Constituents
The mood at the OneSpartanburg “Caffeinated Conversations” event remained calm, with about 40 attendees present. While some constituents posed challenging questions about education cuts and the social impacts of DOGE’s measures, others appeared supportive of Trump’s aggressive government overhaul.
This contrasts sharply with a similar town hall held in Georgia on the same day, where frustration with the administration’s policies led to a more heated atmosphere.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for South Carolina?
Norman’s warnings suggest that South Carolina could face a “shock” from federal policy changes, including:
- Rising costs due to tariffs imposed on imported goods.
- Potential federal funding cuts that could impact healthcare and education services.
- Increased pressure on state-level programs to fill gaps left by reduced federal spending.
While Norman remains optimistic about Musk’s leadership in slashing government waste, concerns persist about whether the cuts will disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, particularly those reliant on government support and public education programs.
