I am writing to express my deep concern about the actions taken by Elon Musk and Donald Trump, which are designed to enrich themselves and the billionaire class at the expense of the American people.

Under the guise of “government efficiency,” Musk, as disputed head of the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has illegally overseen mass layoffs of federal employees, dismantled essential agencies, gained access to our most sensitive data, and terminated hundreds of federal contracts across multiple agencies.

These actions have not only created chaos and disrupted vital services that save lives, they have also created opportunities for Musk’s companies to profit as they secure substantial government funding for their own projects.

The White House has said Musk himself will determine potential conflicts of interest with his businesses, thus becoming the poster child for the very fraud and corruption he claims to be weeding out.

The cruel irony of this is that Trump’s proposed tax cuts will be funded by Musk’s slashing essential federal programs, and will disproportionately benefit the wealthy, including Musk and Trump, leaving the rest of us to bear the brunt of the impacts.

Remember this when your Social Security check doesn’t arrive on time, your Medicaid is stopped, or your favorite campground is closed.

It is clear that these actions are not about improving government efficiency or reducing waste. They are about consolidating power and wealth among the elite, while ordinary Americans suffer the consequences. Elon Musk must go.

JULIA HESSE
Astoria