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Liz Cheney Responds to Elon Musk Over USAID Past: ‘Damn Right’
Former Representative Liz Cheney has confidently reaffirmed her history with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in a recent interaction with tech billionaire Elon Musk. This exchange comes as Musk leads an initiative aimed at reducing government waste and fraud through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk Questions Cheney’s USAID History
In a tweet, Musk responded to a post by Mike Benz, the founder of the Foundation for Freedom Online. Benz had noted Cheney’s connection to USAID, stating she had been “spawned out of USAID.” Along with his comment, he included a screenshot from an article detailing Cheney’s past work at the agency.
Cheney’s Proud Acknowledgment
In her retweet of Musk, Cheney did not miss the opportunity to emphasize her pride in her contributions to U.S. foreign policy. “Damn right, @Elon. I’m proud of what America did to win the Cold War, defeat Soviet communism, and defend democracy,” she stated. She added that the United States has long stood for freedom, subtly implying Musk’s unfamiliarity with this crucial aspect of American history as he was not yet an American citizen during that period.
A Tweet That Caught Attention
Benz further amplified the exchange by sharing screenshots of both Cheney’s and Musk’s tweets, illustrating the dialogue surrounding Cheney’s USAID background. Musk responded, “No kidding,” which indicated a mix of surprise and intrigue on his part.
Cheney’s Political Background
Cheney’s work at USAID spanned from 1989 to 1992, as noted in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. During her time in Congress, she notably voted to impeach former President Donald Trump following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, positioning her as a key figure in contemporary political discourse.
Recognition and Controversy
In a move that underscores her bipartisan appeal, President Joe Biden awarded Cheney the Presidential Citizens Medal, recognizing her leadership during the tumultuous events surrounding the January 6 insurrection. This recognition came as part of efforts to honor lawmakers who faced potential reprisals for their roles in the January 6 Committee.
Cheney’s Endorsements
Interestingly, last year, Cheney publicly endorsed and campaigned alongside Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate who opposed Trump in the presidential elections. This endorsement highlighted her complex position within the Republican landscape and her willingness to cross party lines in support of democratic processes.
Musk’s Broader Critique of USAID
In other remarks, Musk has criticized USAID’s effectiveness, likening it to a “bowl of worms” rather than a healthy apple. He contended that the agency is “beyond repair,” a comment that reflects ongoing debates about the efficacy of government programs designed for foreign aid.
The Future of Government Efficiency
As Musk continues his work with DOGE, the scrutiny on agencies like USAID may increase. Supporters of the agency argue that its contributions to global stability and democracy promotion are invaluable. However, critics like Musk assert that reform is essential to modernizing government functions.
A New Chapter in Political Discourse
The exchange between Cheney and Musk underscores a pivotal moment in political discourse, wherein past actions and historical context collide with modern critiques of government. By confidently asserting her legacy, Cheney not only defends her record but also draws attention to the ongoing dialogue about the role of government in society.
