27 C Americas / The Economic Times
Inspired by Donald Trump's federal initiative, Republican governors are launching state-level DOGE programs to cut costs and streamline government. While some claim these efforts are pre-existing practices, critics argue they're often politically motivated, targeting welfare and DEI programs. Governors are using DOGE to consolidate power and push privatization agendas, with varying degrees of success and controversy.
President Trump's impending tariffs threaten to overshadow Secretary of State Rubio's Asia trip, intended to strengthen ties against China. These tariffs, impacting several ASEAN nations, risk undermining U.S. efforts to counter China's influence in the South China Sea. Rubio faces a skeptical audience concerned about the economic impact of the tariffs, potentially complicating discussions on regional security and cooperation.