In Urbandale, Iowa—a bustling suburb of Des Moines—people have mixed feelings about a sweeping effort to slash government spending, led by Elon Musk and championed by Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst. Dubbed “a storm that will forever alter Washington,” this initiative, supported by the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has stirred both applause and apprehension.
While some see it as a necessary shake-up, others worry about the impact on essential services. Here’s what locals had to say:
Nik Nelson, 35 | Small Business Owner
“I think Musk’s actions are long overdue,” Nik says with conviction. For him, the federal workforce is bloated, and cutting it down is necessary.
“I want great education, clean water, clean air, and solid healthcare—but I don’t believe in massive bureaucracies to achieve them. That’s why I’m rooting for Elon and DOGE to take a hatchet to all this waste.”
However, Nik is skeptical of the timeline. “Cutting $2.5 trillion over 10 years? That’s like trying to empty the ocean with a bucket. We need bold action now.”
Becky Olsen, 66 | Retired State Employee
Becky, who once worked for Iowa’s Department for the Blind, has her doubts.
“The state relies heavily on federal funding for critical programs—education, public health, aging services. If federal agencies are gutted, how will that money reach us? Vulnerable people depend on those resources.”
Her concerns are clear: “This isn’t just about trimming fat. It’s about the survival of programs that people rely on every single day.”
Ricky Thompson, 71 | Retired Army Officer
Ricky feels uneasy about Musk’s unprecedented role in government operations.
“It’s scary,” he admits. “This isn’t someone we elected, nor is he confirmed by Congress. Yet, he has access to sensitive information. What kind of vetting has he undergone?”
For Ricky, the lack of transparency is a red flag. “When you give one person so much power without checks, it’s bound to raise questions.”
Christian Taff, 45 | DJ and Army Veteran
Christian agrees the government needs trimming but feels Musk’s approach might harm essential services, especially those for veterans like himself.
“I spent six years fighting tooth and nail to get my VA disability benefits,” he recalls. “The system is already stretched thin. Slashing it further isn’t the solution.”
While Christian supports budget cuts, he worries they’ll come at the expense of programs that help vulnerable populations. “Social programs keep people afloat and contributing to the economy. We need reform, not destruction.”
Wayne Shaw, 80 | Mechanical Engineer
Wayne believes Trump’s decision to empower Musk aligns with his campaign promises.
“Finally, someone’s saying, ‘Enough is enough,’” he says. “This is decades of failure by past leaders catching up to us.”
Wayne hopes the aggressive stance will lead to real change. “Hold the government hostage if that’s what it takes. Balancing the budget is long overdue.”
Luke Abou, 53 | Medical Lab Technician
Luke sees a glaring conflict of interest in Musk’s role.
“His company, SpaceX, has billions in federal contracts. How can someone so tied to government funding lead efforts to cut spending without bias?”
Luke worries about the human cost. “Musk’s approach might save money, but at what cost? Jobs lost, lives disrupted—it’s not a simple numbers game.”
The Bigger Picture
As Urbandale debates the merits of Musk’s government overhaul, one thing is clear: This isn’t just about cutting spending. It’s about deciding what kind of government people want—and what they’re willing to give up to achieve it.
Where do you stand on this storm sweeping through Washington? Share your thoughts below!
