Apple News Today: Elon Musk’s Legacy on the Federal Workforce
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Host: Shemitah Basu

Introduction

In this episode of Apple News Today, host Shemitah Basu delves into the profound impact Elon Musk has had on the federal workforce during his tenure with the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). The episode also explores pressing national issues such as the contentious federal budget bill, exorbitant cancer drug prices, and celebrates milestones like the Scripps National Spelling Bee's centennial competition.

Elon Musk’s Tenure and Impact on the Federal Workforce

Shemitah Basu opens the discussion by highlighting the tumultuous exit of Elon Musk from his role at Doge. According to the White House, Musk began the offboarding process on Wednesday night, marking the end of a period characterized by drastic workforce reductions and agency shutdowns.

Musk's aggressive cost-cutting measures aimed to address the sprawling $6.5 trillion Harris-Biden budget. In October, Musk shared his ambitious targets with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick:

Elon Musk (00:05): "How much do you think we can rip out of this wasted $6.5 trillion Harris Biden budget?"

William Wunn (01:14): "I think we could do at least $2 trillion."

Despite these bold claims, Doge reported saving $175 billion—a mere 2.5% of the federal budget. However, these figures have been scrutinized for potential double counting and inaccuracies.

The consequences of Musk’s cost-cutting ripple through the federal workforce. Analysis from The New York Times reveals that approximately 280,000 jobs were lost through buyouts, early retirements, and firing threats. William Wunn of The Washington Post shares insights from interviews with over 30 former and current federal employees, painting a bleak picture of demoralization and anxiety within the workforce.

William Wunn (02:21): "You have people locked out of their offices... if their badge doesn't work, then they're out of a paycheck."

One particularly heartbreaking story is that of Caitlin Cross Barnett, a dedicated health researcher who tragically took her own life amid mounting job insecurities.

Shemitah Basu (03:22): "Experts told the Post. Suicide is complicated to explain, but research points to clear contributing factors. Feelings of worthlessness, stress, lack of access to healthcare and insurance, and unemployment."

The episode underscores the human cost of Musk’s administration, highlighting the urgent need for support systems for displaced federal workers.

The Federal Budget Bill and Senate Republicans’ Concerns

As Doge disbands, attention shifts to the legislative arena where Senate Republicans grapple with the mega tax and spending bill recently passed by the House. While supporters like Representative Ashley Hinson from Iowa faced backlash from constituents, Senate Republicans express reservations about the bill’s depth in reducing spending.

Sahil Kapoor (05:22): "It goes against everything he says he believes in."

Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin and Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky voice their dissatisfaction, arguing that the bill does not sufficiently address fiscal discipline.

Sahil Kapoor (05:46): "He [Senator Ron Johnson] is livid about the fact that this bill adds trillions of dollars to the national debt."

Medicaid cuts feature prominently in the debate, with proposals to reduce the program by $700 billion. However, figures like Senator Josh Hawley oppose significant cuts, advocating for the protection of Medicaid benefits.

Sahil Kapoor (06:45): "He does not want to cut Medicaid benefits here."

The future of tariff revenues, intended to offset the bill’s deficit impact, remains uncertain following a temporary court pause on Trump's tariffs. Kapoor explains the potential implications for Republican lawmakers relying on these revenues.

Sahil Kapoor (07:35): "It could only matter if Republicans decide that the tariff revenue is not coming, or it may not come."

With the Senate facing a tight deadline to raise the debt ceiling by the end of July, the pathway for the budget bill remains fraught with political challenges.

Prescription Drug Pricing: The Case of Revlimid

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the escalating costs of prescription drugs, exemplified by the cancer drug Revlimid. David Armstrong, a cancer patient and reporter, discusses his investigative work on Celgene’s pricing strategies.

David Armstrong (09:41): "Anybody would do whatever they could to get that paid for."

Armstrong reveals that Revlimid costs Celgene 25 cents to produce but retails for over $800 per pill, with prices having increased 26 times since 2006. These hikes have left patients financially devastated, forcing many to ration their medication or incur severe financial strain.

David Armstrong (10:11): "Patients who have different health plans with high co-pays... they've really suffered."

Armstrong also critiques the current legislative efforts to regulate drug prices, highlighting the significant obstacles posed by pharmaceutical litigation and limited negotiating powers granted by the Inflation Reduction Act.

Other Notable Stories

• Texas Legislation on Gender Definition: Texas lawmakers have passed a bill that legally defines gender based on biological sex, sparking debates on transgender rights and the implications for single-sex spaces. Proponents argue it protects biological distinctions, while opponents view it as discriminatory.

• Glacier Collapse in Switzerland: An entire Alpine village, Blatten, was obliterated by a massive glacier collapse. Thanks to predictive measures, authorities successfully evacuated all residents and livestock, though the village was wiped out in moments.

• Scripps National Spelling Bee Centennial: Celebrating its 100th competition, Faison Zaki from Texas triumphed with the winning word "Eclairsisment," earning a $50,000 prize and capping the century-long tradition with distinction.

Conclusion

Shemitah Basu wraps up the episode by directing listeners to the Apple News app for the full interview with David Armstrong and additional stories. The episode underscores the lasting effects of leadership decisions on federal employees, the complexities of national budgeting, and the critical issues surrounding healthcare affordability.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Elon Musk on Budget Cuts
  00:05 - "How much do you think we can rip out of this wasted $6.5 trillion Harris Biden budget?"

• William Wunn on Workforce Reductions
  02:21 - "You have people locked out of their offices... if their badge doesn't work, then they're out of a paycheck."

• Caitlin Cross Barnett’s Tragic Story
  03:10 - "She had devoted her entire career to helping pregnant women."

• Senator Ron Johnson’s Critique
  05:46 - "He is livid about the fact that this bill adds trillions of dollars to the national debt."

• David Armstrong on Drug Pricing Impact
  09:41 - "Anybody would do whatever they could to get that paid for."

For more in-depth coverage and additional stories, subscribe to Apple News Today through the Apple News app and stay informed on the issues that shape our world.