As business leaders, we live by accountability, managing every dollar with precision to meet obligations and foster growth. President-elect Trump’s decision to enlist Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to trim the federal government’s waste, overregulation and inefficiency brings hope to those who value fiscal responsibility. Their mission is clear: restore discipline to federal spending, eliminate unnecessary burdens on businesses and focus resources on what truly benefits the American people. Certain areas stand out as ripe for reform, where the cuts and changes they champion could yield immediate and substantial results.

First, the Department of Education should be eliminated. Federal control has driven education costs sky-high without improving quality. Shifting control back to the states would allow for locally tailored approaches, meeting real community needs and saving billions by cutting unnecessary federal layers. Decentralizing education returns power to those closest to the students, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent where they matter most. Additionally, school choice must be mandated, giving parents the freedom to choose the best educational path for their children and encouraging schools to raise standards across the board.

The elimination of Affirmative Action and DEIA policies in federal hiring should also be a priority. These policies, intended to foster inclusivity, have led to hiring based on demographic traits rather than merit, diluting the quality of service while fostering division. True equality lies in rewarding each individual’s dedication and skills, not in meeting quotas. By focusing hiring on qualifications and excellence, the government would save billions and ensure that federal roles are filled by those best equipped to serve.

Federal agencies are rife with redundancy, as shown by the Government Accountability Office’s documentation of over 1,000 overlapping programs in areas like healthcare and job training. The Department of Labor, for instance, operates multiple job training initiatives that could be streamlined. An audit across all agencies to identify and merge overlapping programs would save billions in taxpayer dollars and prevent bureaucratic waste from eroding public trust.

Programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid consume nearly two-thirds of the federal budget. While vital to many, these programs are weighed down by inefficiencies and rampant fraud. Musk and Ramaswamy could address these issues by implementing advanced fraud detection, tightening eligibility checks and expanding telemedicine to cut high-cost hospital visits. These focused steps alone could save tens of billions without touching essential benefits for those truly in need.

Defense spending also requires careful scrutiny. National security is essential, but unchecked spending has created needless costs. Fixed-cost contracts on weapons systems could curb runaway expenses, while cutting excess civilian administrative roles and reallocating funds to combat readiness would make the Department of Defense stronger and more efficient, reducing waste without compromising strength.

Excessive federal regulation is another urgent issue. Thousands of pages of regulations and red tape stifle small businesses and cost the economy over $1.9 trillion annually. Regulatory burdens from agencies such as the EPA, OSHA and FDA frequently delay projects without substantial benefit to public health or safety. Streamlining these requirements would ease burdens on entrepreneurs, promote economic growth and lower enforcement costs.

Transparency and accountability are essential to restoring public trust. Musk and Ramaswamy should recommend that all federal agencies publish detailed spending reports, easily accessible to the public. Regular audits of major expenditures would further deter waste, fostering a culture of responsibility across government.

Finally, I propose legal government-sponsored contests for federal employees to suggest major cost-cutting solutions, sparking innovation from within. Offering substantial rewards for top ideas would empower the workforce to actively participate in meaningful reform, bringing fresh solutions for efficiency. Let’s support and retain our government’s top performers, allowing the cream to rise to the top.

Call to Action: This mission aims to rescue our nation from the brink of financial and moral bankruptcy, creating a government that is lean, accountable and aligned with our values. This demands our active commitment. Engage, volunteer, pray and contribute. Stand up and join the work of building a government that serves its people with respect and integrity. Under God, together, we can restore faith, morality, efficiency and fiscal responsibility to America’s institutions.

PS Governor Lombardo: Nevada has incredible talent like Musk and Ramaswamy. It’s time to tap into that proven expertise and let it make an impact on our state.

By Whose Authority?

For more information on my Commentary and to see some of my backup research, or if you wonder why I take the position I take, go to www.LyleBrennan.com.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”