Seb

Judge Boasberg opens the hearing, saying it's "solely to perform fact-finding about the government’s compliance with my orders."

This comment is getting you delayed tickles.

*deep sigh* If I just looked at the macronutrients and considered how refined the ingredients were, I would conclude that cheez-its and a few grape tomatoes were inadequate. For your “gob”.

For the rest of you: I have already made him eat vegetable soup.

I present this for your edification only. You had a reasonably healthy lunch, but that doesn’t make cheez-its dinner. A few cherry tomatoes still doesn’t elevate it to dinner.

Should have been: “The president himself almost certainly cannot legally do that. Even if he could, it’s not clear what authority Musk has.” It would be responsible to also add a quick note on congressional authority and control of agencies and funding.

2. “[Can he legally shut down a government agency?]”

Answer provided, in effect: “[Democrats say no, but we’ll see.]”

Should end that with: “Ultimately, there is certainly a compelling case that this process has run afoul of many laws; the courts will make decisions there that we will cover.”

Should have AT LEAST been to translate into: “What authority does he have? We’re not clear; we see no evidence of authority to do anything. What authority would the president himself have? Legal analysts say <etc>.”

I’ll VERY loosely paraphrase:

1. “[Is what Musk is doing legal]?”

Answer provided: “[well, some democrats are complaining…. <Laughing shrugs> There are some suits. It’s a little weird!]

Elon Musk's DOGE Takes Control Of Federal Spending Podcast Episode · The NPR Politics Podcast · 02/04/2025 · 15m

Tuesday’s NPR Politics Podcast nominally covering the Musk takeover of agencies was exhausting to listen to in the way that podcast has been for years now, but the way the podcast ended was so irresponsible as to be jaw-dropping. You can jump to 13:17 to hear the 2 mins at the end. 🧵