Welcome to The Logoff. At this time, I’m specializing in a combat over management of the Treasury Division’s fee system, a authorized battle with massive implications for our democracy. At stake is Congress’s capacity to maintain management over authorities spending, a crucial (and constitutional) verify on Donald Trump’s energy.
What’s the most recent? A federal choose on Thursday signed off on an settlement limiting the entry that Elon Musk’s Division of Authorities Effectivity will get to the Treasury Division’s fee system. For now, solely two DOGE staff will have the ability to view the system’s inside workings, however they received’t have the ability to make modifications or cancel funds.
Again up. What’s the context right here? For weeks, DOGE staff have been pushing to entry the system — which handles trillions of {dollars} of federal spending — and sparring with profession (non-political) Treasury staff who oversee it. Authorities staff’ teams sued to dam DOGE’s entry, leading to Thursday’s settlement.
What entry does DOGE need? In the end, DOGE is in search of the flexibility to unilaterally cancel funds. That’s clear after the New York Occasions and CNN revealed that Trump’s group had tried unsuccessfully to get Treasury to cancel all funds from the US Company Worldwide Growth, the company Trump has since gutted.
What are the larger stakes right here? There are privateness and safety considerations, however that is finally in regards to the steadiness of energy. The power to cancel Treasury funds would successfully give Trump management over authorities spending. The Structure reserves that energy for Congress, and Trump taking it will be a large enlargement of his authority. It might additionally enable Trump’s group to quickly paralyze spending at authorities companies that don’t align along with his agenda, making the dismantling of USAID simpler to copy.
And with that, it’s time to sign off …
Okay! I do know that was lots. Thanks for making it via. It’s Friday, so I’ve a choose-your-own journey set of hyperlinks for you. For those who’re exhausted and simply want amusing, right here’s my favourite (and extremely rewatchable) Saturday Night time Stay skit in a superb whereas. And for those who’re feeling motivated, right here’s an excellent useful article on how one can carry down your grocery payments. Both means, I actually admire you studying. Have a satisfying weekend, and I’ll see you again right here subsequent week.
