Fighting spending cuts
For years, Republicans have railed against wasteful government spending, promising deep cuts to shrink the federal government. But now that President Donald Trump is actually slashing funding, some of those same Republicans are suddenly realizing just how much their states rely on those so-called “wasteful” programs. And — shockingly — they’re scrambling for carveouts.
Take Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama. She cheered on Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency and its mission to “shake up” Washington. But Trump’s budget cuts put more than $518 million in NIH medical research grants at risk — funding that directly benefits institutions in her state like the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Now, Britt is calling for a “smart, targeted approach” to spending cuts, which basically means she doesn’t want the cuts to impact her constituents.
Or take Rep. Tracey Mann of Kansas. He joined the House DOGE caucus back in November, saying he intended to help Trump “get our fiscal house back in order.” Now he is introducing legislation to save the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Food for Peace program, which purchases over $700 million in crops from American farmers to help fight hunger abroad. Trump is trying to eliminate the program entirely, but Mann — who represents a district full of those farmers — is scrambling to shift it under the Agriculture Department instead.
Or Sen. Ted Budd of North Carolina, who adamantly supported DOGE just last week, but is now suddenly very concerned about preserving NIH grants for Duke and UNC Chapel Hill.
The big question now is whether Trump will grant carveouts to those who’ve bent the knee. If history is any guide, the answer isn’t about principle — it’s about loyalty. Elon Musk’s companies have raked in billions in government contracts while Trump rails against “wasteful spending.”
MAGA voices may talk tough on budget cuts, but behind closed doors, they’re scrambling.
Big news: ‘The Blueprint with Jen Psaki’ hits No. 5 on Apple Podcasts
I’m beyond excited to share that “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki” has already climbed to No. 5 this week on Apple Podcasts — after just two episodes. A huge thank-you to everyone who’s listened, shared and joined the conversation so far.
And we’re just getting started. Two more episodes drop this Monday.
Next up is a candid conversation with my former boss Rahm Emanuel about what needs to change in order for Democrats to win again. He had a lot to say about the laziness of Democrats relying on demographics to win for way too long, the problem with using the wrong litmus tests for candidates, and the importance of speaking in plain language.
I also sat down with my former CNN colleague Don Lemon for a discussion on the massive changes in legacy media, how far behind Democrats are in adjusting to those changes, and the evolution of what consumers expect from the people delivering their news.
If you haven’t already, subscribe where you listen to podcasts!
Jen Psaki is the host of "The Briefing with Jen Psaki" airing Tuesdays through Fridays at 9 p.m. EST. She is the former White House press secretary for President Joe Biden.