Roger Passman-Fischel 
Emergent Fascism and The Dismantling of the United States Constitution
Introduction to Understanding President Trump Motives
Understanding President Trump motives behind his recent governmental restructuring efforts requires a deep dive into the controversial actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. Ostensibly created to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies, DOGE has instead become a focal point of legal challenges, ethical concerns, and widespread public backlash. This article examines five alarming actions by DOGE, the legal responses, and the broader implications for constitutional governance.
1. Understanding President Trump Motives in Federal Workforce Reductions
One of the most concerning actions by DOGE has been the mass termination of federal employees. Under Musk’s directive, more than 27,000 civil servants have been dismissed in the past six months (Hsu, 2025).
These firings have targeted agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Education, and the Social Security Administration, effectively crippling their ability to function.
Critics argue that this move is not about efficiency but about consolidating executive power by eliminating opposition within federal agencies. Legal experts point to violations of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which protects employees from politically motivated firings (Democracy Forward, 2025).
A lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) seeks to reinstate thousands of dismissed workers, claiming that the layoffs violate federal employment laws.
2. Understanding President Trump Motives in Restructuring USAID
Another area of concern is the reorganization of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). President Trump, through DOGE, has pushed for the agency to be placed directly under the Secretary of State’s control, eliminating its independent oversight mechanisms (Brangham, Schmitz, & Carlson, 2025).
The proposed restructuring also involves using blockchain technology to distribute foreign aid. While Musk claims this will increase transparency, experts warn that blockchain systems are not yet reliable for large-scale humanitarian efforts (The Guardian, 2025). Furthermore, congressional oversight committees were not consulted before these changes were announced, raising concerns over the legality of such executive overreach.
3. Understanding President Trump Motives for Expanding Executive Power
DOGE has repeatedly ignored traditional checks and balances, prompting multiple legal challenges. For example, New York and California have filed lawsuits against the administration, alleging that DOGE has been granted unconstitutional authority over federal budgeting (The Clearinghouse, 2025).
Additionally, federal judges have blocked several of DOGE’s executive orders. A landmark ruling in March 2025 found that DOGE’s unilateral restructuring of federal agencies violated the Administrative Procedure Act (Inside Higher Ed, 2025). This ruling underscores growing judicial resistance to what many view as a deliberate effort to centralize executive power.
4. Understanding President Trump Motives in Ethical Controversies
A key ethical concern is the intersection between Musk’s business interests and his role in DOGE. Tesla, SpaceX, and The Boring Company have all received increased federal funding since Musk’s appointment (Campaign Legal Center, 2025). Investigations have revealed that contracts previously awarded through competitive bidding are now being funneled to Musk-owned companies.
Critics argue that this constitutes self-dealing, a violation of federal ethics laws. The House Oversight Committee has launched an investigation into whether Musk’s leadership of DOGE is being used to enrich himself at taxpayer expense (NPR, 2025).
5. Understanding President Trump Motives in Addressing Public Backlash
Public opposition to DOGE’s actions has been swift and widespread. Recent Gallup polls indicate that approval ratings for both President Trump and DOGE have plummeted, with 62% of Americans opposing the agency’s restructuring efforts (The Guardian, 2025).
Protests have erupted in major cities, led by labor unions and public advocacy groups. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed an amicus brief supporting legal challenges against DOGE, citing constitutional violations and due process concerns.
Understanding President Trump motives: A tentative Conclusion
Understanding President Trump’s motives behind DOGE’s restructuring efforts reveals a pattern of overreach, legal defiance, and ethical controversy. While the administration claims these measures promote efficiency, the reality is a direct assault on democratic norms.
Legal battles, declining public approval, and congressional investigations signal that opposition is mounting. The question remains: will American institutions withstand this unprecedented assault on governance?
Suggestions for Further Reading
Mayer, J. (2016). Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right. New York: Doubleday. This book explores how wealthy elites manipulate American politics, shedding light on trends seen in the Trump administration.
Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2018). How Democracies Die. New York: Crown. Analyzes patterns of democratic erosion and how leaders like Trump undermine institutions.
Woodward, B. (2018). Fear: Trump in the White House. New York: Simon & Schuster. Provides an insider account of Trump’s governing style and decision-making processes.
Suskind, R. (2020). The Price of Loyalty: George W. Bush, the White House, and the Education of Paul O’Neill. New York: Simon & Schuster. Examines the economic policies of the Bush administration, offering insights into Trump’s economic strategies.
Gessen, M. (2017). The Future Is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia. New York: Riverhead Books. Draws comparisons between authoritarian tactics in Russia and rising authoritarianism in the U.S.
Lewis, M. (2018). The Fifth Risk. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. Investigates mismanagement in government agencies, relevant to DOGE’s restructuring efforts.
Kendall-Taylor, A., & Frantz, E. (2021). Autocratic Breakdown and Regime Survival: Explaining the Nature of Authoritarian Collapse. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Discusses how authoritarian regimes sustain themselves and eventually fall.
MacLean, N. (2017). Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America. New York: Viking. Chronicles the ideological roots of modern right-wing politics.
Chomsky, N. (2017). Requiem for the American Dream: The 10 Principles of Concentration of Wealth & Power. New York: Seven Stories Press. Explains how economic and political elites manipulate government policy.
Stiglitz, J. (2019). People, Power, and Profits: Progressive Capitalism for an Age of Discontent. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. Offers a roadmap for countering neoliberal policies that benefit the wealthy at the expense of the middle class.
Disclaimer: All images on this page and throughout the blog are AI-generated and serve solely to illustrate the arguments presented in each post. These images do not depict real people or events but are intended to enhance the discussion. No offense is intended, nor do we aim to single out any individuals through the use of these images.
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