Bobbie D. Frantz Treasurer | DeKalb County Republican Party
Bobbie D. Frantz Treasurer | DeKalb County Republican Party
Victor Davis Hanson, a conservative scholar and historian, has addressed Democrats and media members who are expressing confusion over Elon Musk's involvement with DOGE and its implications for current politics and government. Hanson's remarks suggest that the actions being criticized have historical precedents.
Hanson argues that Musk's role is more legitimate than some past presidential advisors, citing Harry Hopkins under FDR and Bernard Baruch during the administrations of Woodrow Wilson and FDR. He states, "He’s more legitimate—or he has more statutory legitimacy—than earlier presidential advisors."
Regarding executive orders related to the DOGE program and the elimination of USAID, Hanson explains their legality by referencing historical practices: "As far as the executive orders that created the DOGE program and eliminated USAID—that was perfectly legal in itself—USAID was created by John F. Kennedy in 1961 by an executive order."
Hanson further discusses former President Donald Trump's decision to incorporate USAID into the State Department for various relief efforts. He notes, "All Donald Trump is doing is saying, ‘I don’t believe the impoundment act is legal. We’ll see what the Supreme Court says—but I’m just following the precedent that Joe Biden did.’"
A video featuring Hanson discussing these points was shared on social media by The Daily Signal on February 10, 2025.
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