Jake Tapper

Rank 9 of 47

Score 127

Reposted by Jake Tapper 🦅

As @elonmusk presumably knows by now, “waste and fraud” are not “causing a $2T” deficit. The deficit is caused primarily by funding services people want (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, a strong defense) without raising enough money to pay for them (I.e. cutting taxes).

Jennifer Jacobs

@JenniferJJacobs

106d

Elon Musk: "Government waste and fraud is so high that it's causing a $2 trillion annual deficit. So that's 2,000 billion dollars of waste -- waste and fraud -- that's happening. And the cost of our debt has gotten so high that just the interest payments on the debt exceed the…

3/19/2025, 11:52:33 AM

The statement challenges Elon Musk's claim about the cause of the $2 trillion deficit, attributing it instead to underfunding essential services while cutting taxes. It engages in public discourse by addressing fiscal policy and government spending.

Principle 1:
I will strive to do no harm with my words and actions.
The statement aims to correct a perceived misinformation, aligning with the principle of doing no harm by promoting accurate information. [+1]
Principle 3:
I will use my words and actions to promote understanding, empathy, and compassion.
By providing an alternative explanation, it encourages understanding and dialogue about fiscal policy. [+1]
Principle 4:
I will engage in constructive criticism and dialogue with those in disagreement and will not engage in personal attacks or ad hominem arguments.
The statement critiques Musk's view without resorting to personal attacks, maintaining a focus on the issue rather than the individual. [+1]