Getting Out of DOGE

Geologist looking at lava fountaining from Haleumaumau Crater at the summit of Kilauea volcano.

Geologist deployed to the rim looking over the evening views of lava fountaining from Haleumaumau Crater at the summit of Kilauea volcano inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii., on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. J. Barnett/U.S. Geological Survey via AP

Today’s notice: “A complete shit show.” Exclusive energy policy polling. Government shutdown looking realer. But first: Handle with care.

DOGE vs. the Volcanoes

Elon Musk promised that the Department of Government Efficiency would move fast and break things, and in six short weeks, he has kept that promise. In doing so, he and the Trump administration have attracted a flurry of lawsuits, fired thousands of federal workers and have seen the courts block several DOGE initiatives.

But sometimes in Washington, political embarrassment is more powerful than a court order when it comes to walking things back.