Representative Adam Smith (D-WA) accused President Donald Trump of lying to the American people about his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, calling it a power grab disguised as reform. Speaking Tuesday on MSNBC’s Ana Cabrera Reports, Smith claimed the plan has “nothing to do with efficiency” and everything to do with consolidating control.
“If we identify what Trump and Musk are doing as what it is—which is basically trying to smash the federal government so that they can have greater power and control—this has nothing to do with efficiency and effectiveness,” Smith said. “You line up 100 CEOs in the country and ask if this is how you make your business more efficient—absolutely zero would say yes.”
The Washington Democrat argued that Trump’s DOGE initiative, developed with entrepreneur Elon Musk, is designed to “create a situation where they have the power to do whatever they want, whenever they want, without any checks on that power.”
Smith urged Democrats to “call it what it is” and continue using the courts to challenge the administration. “Use the courts to block the illegal actions that they’re taking,” he said, calling for a broader messaging campaign to rally opposition.
He also dismissed Republican arguments that the plan would improve fiscal responsibility, accusing Trump of hypocrisy. “They give impassioned pleas about the debt and the deficit,” Smith said. “And today they’re planning on voting for a budget resolution that is going to increase the debt by $2 trillion over the next decade.”
Smith concluded, “This is an absolute lie that Donald Trump is telling to the American people. Call them out on that lie and begin to build support to push back.”
The DOGE initiative, announced earlier this year, aims to streamline federal departments and reduce bureaucracy—a move the Trump administration says will cut waste and strengthen accountability. Critics, however, claim it threatens job stability and centralizes executive power.
