Noting that the DOGE cuts provide little tangible benefit to Musk or the rest of the wannabe techno-aristocrats, Ross Douthat argues that the revolutionary initiatives of the new administration are mostly driven by reactionary (my word, not his) ideology. He reserves judgment on whether attacks on Musk will be politically profitable. Is he on the right track?
As to the first issue, yes; the techno-aristocrats are driven by the desire for deregulation and tax cuts, not filthy national parks and sicker veterans. The process of satisfying them requires legislation and a more methodical form of deregulation and will take more than a few months. As to the second question, Musk is easily the most visible member of the government, and he looks and sounds like a Bond villain; how can the Democrats resist attacking him?