US President Donald Trump’s budget freeze plan has been exposed as a protection-racket model, where key services like Head Start and foreign aid are being prioritized for exemptions. This approach appeals to the foundational NIMBY ethos, where those with narrow interests can claim special treatment.
During a press conference by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, she revealed that agencies can request exemptions from the Office of Management and Budget if their policies align with Trump’s agenda. However, this model has been criticized for its ability to exploit vulnerable individuals who rely on government services.
The case of disabled Army veteran Luke Graziani, 45, who was terminated due to poor performance despite serving 20 years in the Army, highlights the risks of this approach. Graziani had believed his veteran status would protect him from job loss, but he had to resort to writing a letter to the new Veterans Affairs secretary to request reinstatement.
The same applies to New York Mayor Eric Adams, whose continued time in office is largely dependent on his connections with Trump. This raises concerns about the use of power and influence to avoid accountability.
Critics argue that the current plan prioritizes those who can afford it, leaving others to rely on government services provided by companies like SpaceX and Tesla. The proposed system will lead to a situation where individuals are forced to navigate complex forms and rules in exchange for basic necessities like healthcare, education, and clean water.
Source: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2025/02/elon-musk-doge-trump-mafia-dahlia-lithwick.html