President Donald Trump and Elon Musk look like they’re having a blast in Washington, clear-cutting elements of the federal government and seizing power from states and Congress. Their glee is at odds with the growing evidence of repercussions and anger out in the country at their approach of cutting first and asking questions later.

Recently, many Donald Trump supporters rejoiced over Elon Musk’s claim that he’s considering giving all American taxpayers $5,000 to be funded by government savings from DOGE, which don’t exist yet. Musk was appointed the head of DOGE,