Podcast Summary: The Next Level – "The DOGE Days Are Far From Over"

Release Date: February 12, 2025
Host/Authors: Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Jonathan V. Last
Podcast: The Next Level by The Bulwark

Introduction

In the February 12, 2025 episode titled "The DOGE Days Are Far From Over" of The Next Level podcast, hosts Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last delve into a series of tumultuous events within the U.S. federal government. The conversation spans recent high-profile firings, the involvement of Elon Musk in governmental affairs, and broader implications for government transparency, accountability, and political dynamics.

Recent Government Firings and the Elon Musk Incident

Jonathan V. Last (JVL) kicks off the discussion by highlighting significant federal personnel changes: "Last night, Tuesday night, we got word that the inspector general from USAID had been fired. We also got word that there was going to be, there were a whole bunch of firings at the CFPB" ([00:02]). He elaborates on the firing of FEMA's CFO in response to a misleading social media post by Elon Musk. Musk claimed that FEMA had misappropriated $59 million meant for disaster relief in New York City to fund luxury hotels for migrants, which led to FEMA suspending the payments and subsequently terminating the CFO.

Sarah Longwell questions the transparency of these actions: "Like when they were firing people. Now, some of the reporting shows this. [...] 'Dear first name, your services are no longer required in the department of [insert department here]'" ([04:41]).

Government Agencies: Waste, Fraud, and Efficiency

The hosts transition into a critique of government agencies, focusing on their roles in mitigating fraud, waste, and abuse:

• Sarah Longwell emphasizes the importance of agencies like the CFPB: "The CFPB cracked down that. [...] And so [...] transparency on that is important. Following the law is important" ([03:15]).

• They debate the necessity and efficiency of certain agencies, considering whether some could be consolidated into larger departments to reduce bureaucratic overhead.

• Tim Miller voices concern over the manner of the firings: "The FEMA guy did nothing wrong [...] that's an insane way to treat federal government employees" ([06:12]).

Sarah underscores the lack of transparency and legality: "There's no transparency. [...] They are actively breaking it and no accountability for them" ([04:55]).

Impact on Voters and Political Climate

The conversation shifts to how these governmental changes affect voter perception and the broader political landscape:

• Sarah discusses voter disenchantment: "All that activity, activity, activity, and voters are like, look at this. [...] And for the average voter that's not" ([09:43]).

• Tim raises concerns about the effectiveness of such purges: "That's an insane way to treat federal government employees [...] And at some level that's preferable to what's happening targeting a single person because you didn't like the policy that they were required to implement" ([06:16]).

• The hosts contemplate the potential repercussions for future elections, suggesting that ongoing governmental instability may erode public trust.

Elon Musk and Trump's Relationship

A significant portion of the episode scrutinizes the evolving relationship between Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump:

• JVL remarks on Musk's unconventional behavior in the Oval Office: "And this is a thing, which is fine now. [...] He held a press conference while Donald Trump sat there like a little bitch in the corner, which was amazing" ([22:44]).

• Sarah observes a shift in Trump's demeanor: "Trump is not reacting to Elon the way he reacted to Bannon. And he is not. It's different. Something different is happening" ([24:32]).

• Tim criticizes the transactional nature of Musk's political involvement: "He just did everything straight up through an LLC. So there was no visibility into his spending rate" ([26:55]).

Media and Communication Strategies

The hosts discuss the changing landscape of media and political communication:

• Tim draws comparisons between Obama's traditional press engagements and the current "carnival" style: "President Barack Obama [...] It's just not a way to get anybody to know about what you're doing anymore" ([29:27]).

• Sarah underscores the importance of genuine communication: "Democrats need to start doing this now. [...] Just go say that" ([32:04]).

• They critique the "stupid attention economy," arguing that Republicans have mastered capturing superficial public attention, often at the expense of substantive discourse.

Political Rants: Susan Collins

A heated segment targets Senator Susan Collins, highlighting frustrations with her perceived lack of action and inconsistency:

• Tim initiates the "two minutes hate" against Collins, criticizing her inaction on critical issues: "If she was concerned, she would act [...] absolutely not making a play for 2028" ([40:19]).

• Sarah shares her disillusionment: "In 2026. Like, she's. You've got to. You've got to [...] what is the point of a moderate Republican now?" ([40:24]).

• JVL adds to the critique, expressing disdain for Collins' decisions: "Susan Collins is my new thing. [...] I think I hate her more than Ted Cruz" ([43:10]).

Economic Indicators and Inflation

Briefly touching on economic matters, Sarah updates listeners on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation rates: "The Consumer price index accelerated 0.5% for the month, putting the annual inflation rate at 3%. [...] CPI rose 0.4 on the month, putting the 12 month inflation rate at 3.3%" ([37:42]).

Tim connects this data to political maneuvering: "Trump now he wants to bully the Fed into lowering interest rates even though the Fed's worried about inflation still" ([38:13]).

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the state of democracy and governmental integrity:

• Sarah questions the efficacy of government shutdowns: "Either the government is providing a lot of services that by cutting it off it will cause pain inevitably, or they're right and you can gut the government and take away all these things and no one will notice" ([17:56]).

• JVL predicts upcoming challenges: "I'm convinced, is a Supreme Court challenge, New York Times v. Sullivan [...] and I think there are probably four votes on the court for that" ([35:32]).

• The episode concludes with Tim and JVL expressing skepticism about the administration's commitment to free speech and governmental accountability, highlighting ongoing frustrations and the need for continued vigilance.

Notable Quotes

• JVL: "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau... That's why it's a thing for you, for FEMA?" ([00:34])

• Sarah Longwell: "There is no transparency. We have no visibility into what they're doing because they're just..." ([04:55])

• Tim Miller: "That's an insane way to treat federal government employees. [...] that is an insane way to treat federal government employees" ([06:12])

• JVL: "What they're doing is lawless and cruel and doesn't seem... like retribution" ([08:14])

• Sarah Longwell: "We need to start saying, oh, I'm not sure there's just like an obvious wedge here..." ([24:32])

• Tim Miller: "There is nothing. This administration is the most anti free speech administration we have ever seen." ([35:32])

• Sarah Longwell: "The only thing that on Collins is just in 2020, I didn't like the idea that there were, like, the going after Susan Collins" ([40:19])

Conclusion

In "The DOGE Days Are Far From Over," The Next Level hosts offer a critical examination of recent governmental upheavals, spotlighting concerns over transparency, accountability, and the politicization of federal agencies. Through incisive analysis and sharp commentary, Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last navigate the complexities of a changing political landscape, urging listeners to remain informed and engaged amidst ongoing challenges to democratic institutions.