Musk's DOGE Savings Claims Debunked; UK-Russia Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
Key Takeaways
- NYT reports Elon Musk's DOGE overstated savings claims, including a refuted $1.75B USAID grant.
- UK and Russia escalate diplomatic tensions with expulsions and accusations of harassment and espionage.
- Keir Starmer's government announces significant cuts to the UK's welfare budget, sparking opposition.
- Starmer's March 13th speech to detail most radical civil service restructuring in decades.
Accountability
NYT: Elon Musk's DOGE overstated savings claims
The New York Times reported that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) exaggerated at least five of its 20 largest claimed savings. For example, a $1.75 billion savings claim from a U.S. Agency for International Development grant was refuted by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, who stated the grant was not terminated and funds were already disbursed.
Global Stage
UK-Russia diplomatic tensions escalate: Expulsions, accusations
On 2025-03-12, the UK accused Russia of escalating harassment of British diplomats and attempting to force the closure of its embassy in Moscow. This follows tit-for-tat diplomat expulsions after the UK expelled a Russian diplomat and spouse over espionage allegations, which Russia denies; Moscow stated it would not tolerate undeclared British intelligence personnel in Russia, with the FSB alleging the UK views restored US-Russian relations as a threat.
Policy Pulse
UK welfare budget faces significant cuts by Starmer
On 2025-03-13, Keir Starmer's government announced significant cuts to the UK's welfare budget, sparking opposition. The planned adjustments to disability benefits and universal credit are facing significant pushback.
Starmer's civil service reform: Radical restructuring expected
Downing Street anticipates that Keir Starmer's March 13th speech on civil service reform will detail the most radical restructuring of the British state in decades.