Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has now reportedly publicly criticized Congress for its inaction in codifying budget cuts implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during President Donald Trump’s administration.
In a post on the social media platform X, DeSantis expressed disappointment with Republican lawmakers who have not taken steps to solidify these reductions.
“Elon Musk took massive incoming — including attacks on his companies as well as personal smears — to lead the effort on DOGE,” DeSantis stated.
He further emphasized Musk’s controversial position as a target for legacy media, calling him “public enemy #1” for his role in advocating for efficiency cuts within government spending.
DeSantis’s comments reflect broader frustrations within the Republican Party, particularly regarding fiscal responsibility. He lamented that the failure to implement meaningful spending reductions represents a betrayal of the voters who elected these officials.
“To see Republicans in Congress cast aside any meaningful spending reductions (and, in fact, fully fund things like USAID) is demoralizing,” he added.
The governor’s criticism comes at a critical time, with the September 30 deadline looming for Congress to pass a budget and avoid a government shutdown for the 2026 fiscal year.
Earlier this year, Trump had expressed support for a rescission package that would codify the DOGE cuts, urging Congress to act swiftly.
Despite the push from conservatives in both chambers, Senate Republicans have shown skepticism about a blanket adoption of the DOGE measures in their government funding bills.
This hesitance underscores the ongoing tensions within the party regarding fiscal policy and government spending.
As DeSantis aims to position himself as a leader in the conservative movement, his remarks highlight a significant divide within Republican ranks.
The failure to unify around budgetary cuts may hinder the party’s ability to present a cohesive strategy as the election season approaches next year.
DeSantis, a former congressman himself, is keenly aware of the implications of inaction in Washington.
His focus on fiscal responsibility resonates with a segment of the electorate frustrated by perceived government waste and inefficiency.
By invoking Musk’s controversial leadership in the DOGE initiative, DeSantis seeks to rally support among conservatives who prioritize budgetary discipline.
As the deadline for government funding nears, the dynamics within Congress will be critical. The outcome of these discussions could have lasting implications not only for the fiscal year ahead but also for the political landscape in future election cycles.
DeSantis’s vocal stance may influence how lawmakers approach budget negotiations, particularly as fiscal responsibility remains a cornerstone of conservative ideology.
With the pressure mounting, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the path forward for Congress and its budgetary priorities.
[READ MORE: New Poll Shows DeSantis’s Approval Rating Outpacing Trump’s]
