In Washington, D.C., Democratic members of Congress are accusing President Donald Trump of shrinking the government, likening it to a scene from “The Wizard of Oz” where Dorothy melts the Wicked Witch. The rhetoric against Trump’s cuts has intensified, with Rep. Kweisi Mfume going as far as to call the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) the “department of government evil.” Despite the criticism, polls show that Trump’s popularity is on the rise, with a majority of Americans believing he is fulfilling his promises, particularly in reducing government spending.

One of Trump’s strategies to downsize the government involved offering federal employees a generous buyout to voluntarily resign from their positions. This move proved successful, with 75,000 workers accepting the offer before it ended. However, Democrats raised objections and attempted to halt the program by casting doubts on its legitimacy, leading to legal challenges. U.S. District Court Judge George O’Toole ultimately lifted the injunction on the buyout, acknowledging Trump’s authority in offering the deal.

The opposition from Democrats and labor unions is viewed as paternalistic, as they sought to prevent federal employees from making decisions they deemed best for themselves and their families. Trump’s actions are supported by his constitutional powers to manage the executive branch, emphasizing the voters’ desire for government changes. Despite criticism and warnings from opponents, Trump remains steadfast in his efforts to reshape the government in alignment with his administration’s goals.