Bulwark Takes: Elon Musk’s DOGE Is Killing Science in America
Release Date: February 19, 2025

Introduction

In the February 19, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, host Sam Stein delves into a critical issue affecting American scientific research: the brain drain induced by Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative. Stein explores how recent policy changes spearheaded by DOGE are undermining government-funded scientific endeavors, leading to significant talent loss within the United States government and academic institutions.

The Crisis of Brain Drain

Brain drain refers to the phenomenon where highly skilled and intellectually capable individuals leave their professions or industries due to unfavorable conditions. Stein emphasizes that this is currently unfolding within the U.S. government’s scientific and research sectors, with Elon Musk’s DOGE playing a pivotal role.

“Brain drain is basically when smart people, intellectually capable people, leave their profession, leave their industry for reasons that vary. And that's exactly what's happening right now in the United States government. Courtesy of Elon Musk.”
— Sam Stein [02:15]

Government Funding in Jeopardy

Stein explains that the U.S. government allocates tens of billions of dollars annually to fund scientific research across various disciplines. This funding comes directly through agencies like the NIH (National Institutes of Health) and NSF (National Science Foundation), supports university administrative costs, and employs individuals in agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, NASA, and the CDC.

Indirect Cost Caps

A significant policy shift occurred when the government announced a cap on indirect costs—funds universities receive to cover administrative expenses. Initially set at 15%, this cap was met with widespread backlash from academic institutions.

“They were going to cap it at 15%. A host of universities across the country were flabbergasted. This would have been equivalent to hundreds of millions of dollars in costs that were cut from their budgets...”
— Sam Stein [05:30]

For example, the University of Iowa responded by pausing the hiring of new graduate research assistants unless they were already budgeted as direct costs on funded projects—effectively halting the recruitment of new talent.

“This is like earth shattering to a number of different academics who I spoke to because basically they're saying we can't afford to bring on young, up and coming, talented graduate research assistants anymore.”
— Sam Stein [08:20]

Academic Responses

Professors across various universities expressed concern over the sustainability of their programs. One biochemistry department chair noted, “We are not going to bring on any new faculty because of this cap,” highlighting the long-term implications for scientific research and education.

“One might ask, why are they trying to destroy the science training pipeline? To what end? And it's a great question.”
— Professor [11:45]

Although the NIH temporarily paused the implementation of the cap following legal challenges by 22 state attorney generals, the expectation remains that similar restrictions will resurface in the future.

Federal Agency Staffing Cuts

Beyond funding issues, DOGE has orchestrated mass layoffs within federal agencies critical to scientific research. Probationary employees—those with one year or less of service—are being targeted across departments such as the FDA, CDC, NSF, and Department of Energy.

“Thousands upon thousands upon thousands of employees are just gone and arbitrarily gone.”
— Sam Stein [16:10]

These staffing reductions have led to diminished morale and uncertainty about job security among government scientists and researchers.

“It's causing a significant amount of mental anguish, especially for my probationary colleagues.”
— NASA Employee [19:55]

Impact on Scientific Innovation

The combination of reduced funding and workforce cuts threatens to derail America's scientific advancements. Without adequate support, young scientists may be dissuaded from entering or continuing in research fields, leading to a shortage of innovative thinkers and potential breakthroughs.

“Hundreds of people who could have been the next. Who could have had the next big scientific breakthrough are not even going to try.”
— Sam Stein [22:30]

Furthermore, the constraints impede the government’s ability to support high-risk, high-reward research projects that private industries are typically unwilling to fund due to profit motives.

Long-Term Consequences

Stein argues that the repercussions of DOGE’s policies extend beyond immediate budget cuts and layoffs. The long-term loss of intellectual capital could weaken the United States’ position in global scientific leadership, particularly against competitors like China.

“You have to look at it generationally, and you have to look at it in metrics like intellectual power that we are losing.”
— Sam Stein [27:45]

He warns that while DOGE’s direct influence may wane, the foundational damage to America’s scientific infrastructure could endure for decades, stifling innovation and economic growth.

Call to Action

In concluding the episode, Stein urges individuals within the scientific and academic communities to share their experiences and insights regarding DOGE’s impact. He emphasizes the importance of collective awareness and action to mitigate the ongoing brain drain.

“If you are in this field, if you are operating with a government grant, if you are interested in science, but maybe are rethinking it, if you've been interacting with Doge, if you have insight into what Doge is doing, hit us up.”
— Sam Stein [30:10]

Conclusion

The episode of Bulwark Takes presents a compelling examination of how Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative is undermining scientific research in America by imposing restrictive funding measures and orchestrating significant workforce reductions within federal agencies. Through firsthand accounts and detailed analysis, Sam Stein underscores the urgent need to address these challenges to preserve the nation’s scientific prowess and intellectual capital.

For more insights and to contribute your experiences, visit thebulwark.com/tips.