America is being transported back to the 1800s by DOGE

[UNITED STATES] The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established under President Donald Trump, is drawing parallels to 19th-century America. With Elon Musk at the helm and Vivek Ramaswamy as a key figure, DOGE is implementing sweeping changes that echo the minimalist government approaches of the 1800s. These reforms are reshaping the federal landscape, impacting everything from public services to national celebrations.

Supporters of DOGE argue that the reforms are long overdue, citing decades of bloated government spending and bureaucratic inefficiencies. “This is a return to first principles,” said former Congressman Ron Paul in a recent interview. “For too long, we’ve accepted a top-heavy government. DOGE is about restoring power to the states and the people.” This perspective has gained traction among libertarian-leaning voters and fiscal conservatives, who see the movement as a bold reimagining of federalism.

The Rise of DOGE

Following Trump's election victory, DOGE was created with the aim of streamlining government operations and reducing bureaucracy. The department's acronym, coincidentally matching the popular cryptocurrency Dogecoin, has drawn attention and criticism alike. Musk and Ramaswamy's leadership has led to significant budget cuts and the elimination of numerous federal agencies, including those overseeing public health, safety, and defense.

Historically, minimalist government frameworks were most evident during the Jacksonian era, when populist leaders pushed for limited federal intervention and strong state rights. Scholars note that DOGE’s current agenda draws heavily from this historical playbook, favoring privatization and decentralization. However, critics warn that comparisons to the 1800s must be contextualized, as the complexity of today’s national and global challenges far exceeds those of the 19th century.

Impact on National Celebrations

One of the most notable consequences of DOGE's reforms is the impact on the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). As part of cost-cutting measures, 80% of NEH staff were placed on administrative leave, jeopardizing planned celebrations for America's 250th birthday in 2026. In response, the NEH introduced 250 challenge grants to support projects honoring the nation's founding and key historical figures. However, the reduced staff and funding may limit the scope of these efforts.

In some states, local historical societies have stepped up to fill the gap left by federal funding cuts. From Philadelphia to Savannah, community organizations are organizing independent events, reenactments, and educational programs aimed at preserving the nation's heritage. “We can’t let political turmoil steal this moment,” said Dr. Maria Lopez, director of the Savannah Historical Alliance. “America’s 250th is too important to ignore.” Nevertheless, these grassroots efforts face challenges in coordination and scale without centralized support.

Public Response and Controversy

The restructuring has sparked widespread protests and criticism. Democratic lawmakers and citizens have expressed concerns over the concentration of power and the undermining of essential government functions. Protests outside the U.S. Treasury Department have labeled Musk's actions as an "illegal power grab," with fears over the access to sensitive government data and systems.

Civil rights groups have also voiced alarm over the elimination of several oversight bodies, including those tasked with monitoring election security and civil liberties. “Without proper checks, we risk sliding into authoritarianism,” said ACLU legal director Rachel Choi. “Government efficiency must not come at the cost of transparency and accountability.” DOGE officials have countered that new technologies, such as blockchain record-keeping, will enhance public trust and data integrity, but independent audits of these claims remain pending.

Market Reactions

The cryptocurrency Dogecoin has experienced a surge in value, with analysts speculating that the reforms and Musk's involvement have contributed to the rally. Some forecasts predict that DOGE could reach $3 by Inauguration Day 2025, reflecting investor optimism about the pro-crypto stance of the new administration.

While some financial institutions are cautious about embracing a meme coin as a symbol of political reform, others are capitalizing on the buzz. Major fintech platforms such as Robinhood and Coinbase have reported spikes in DOGE trading volume since Musk's appointment. At the same time, regulatory uncertainty looms. The Securities and Exchange Commission has yet to issue formal guidance on DOGE’s evolving role in U.S. economic policy, fueling speculation about whether the currency could be adopted in federal transactions.

As DOGE continues to implement its vision of a streamlined government, the United States finds itself at a crossroads. The echoes of 19th-century governance are resounding through modern policies, raising questions about the future role of federal institutions and the balance of power in the nation. The coming months will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of these reforms on American society and governance.