Independent voters—and especially younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z—recognize the long-term risks of unchecked spending. They understand that today’s inaction is tomorrow’s burden, one that will fall heavily on their shoulders.
The Big Picture
At first glance, the headlines suggest that Republicans are finally taking government spending seriously, with ambitious plans and loud promises about reining in the federal budget. However, beneath the surface, the data presents a more complicated—and less encouraging—story. Despite the rhetoric, federal spending has actually increased under the new administration, challenging the narrative of fiscal responsibility.
The situation is framed as a partisan issue, but the roots run deeper. The rise in spending amid calls for austerity highlights not only the limits of current political strategies but also the demographic and structural challenges shaping the fiscal future of the United States.
Zooming In
Much of the early optimism around spending reform was sparked by the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. Promising to eliminate inefficiencies and save up to $2 trillion annually, the commission was generally welcomed across party lines as a bold step toward more effective governance.
But reality fell short of the ambition. The commission quietly revised its savings target multiple times: from $2 trillion to $1 trillion, and now to a modest $150 billion. Simultaneously, key federal departments were gutted and a wave of firings occurred. Ironically, despite these efforts, a recent Wall Street Journal report revealed that federal spending has risen compared to prior administrations.
Representative David Schweikert (AZ-01) frequently frames the issue as a demographic rather than a partisan crisis. An aging population leads to rising entitlement costs, and addressing this requires cooperation from both parties. However, the GOP’s strategy has largely avoided the most significant cost drivers: entitlement programs.
Key Facts
- Initial DOGE goal: $2 trillion in savings per year.
- Current estimate: $150 billion in projected savings.
- Spending trend: Federal spending is up, despite cost-cutting measures.
- Polling data: A majority of Democrats support working with the current administration to tackle the federal debt and deficit.
- Entitlement programs: These remain untouched in GOP proposals, despite being the largest driver of national debt.
- Aid reliance: GOP-voting counties rely more heavily on government assistance than Democratic counties, as shown by WSJ analysis.
- Shifting GOP stance: There are increasing calls within the party to raise taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations—a notable break from past orthodoxy.
Independent Lens
What we’re witnessing is not just a policy debate, but a political realignment. The GOP’s base now includes many who rely on government support, complicating efforts to reduce spending without alienating voters. This explains the party’s newfound openness to tax hikes on the wealthy—an idea it once vehemently opposed.
Meanwhile, Democrats have yet to offer concrete proposals on debt and deficit reduction, even as their voters express a desire for moderation and cooperation. This vacuum presents an opening for independent voices to lead.
Independents—and especially younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z—recognize the long-term risks of unchecked spending. They understand that today’s inaction is tomorrow’s burden, one that will fall heavily on their shoulders. Unlike the partisan camps, independents are uniquely positioned to initiate the hard conversations needed for real, lasting reform.
The moment calls for leadership that transcends party lines and addresses root causes rather than political symptoms. This is the opportunity for independents to shape a more sustainable future.
