Tech News
LAST UPDATE: June 11, 2025
Hegseth Says DOGE Found $6 Billion in Pentagon Budget Cuts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth credited Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) with identifying $6 billion in potential savings within the Pentagon’s nearly $1 trillion budget.
Insight
This underscores a growing trend of leveraging unconventional partnerships for cost-cutting in federal agencies. Hegseth’s testimony reflects political alignment with Trump-era efficiency initiatives and reveals Pentagon priorities, such as funding nuclear programs over non-essential services. However, deploying troops in LA and associated legal questions have sparked controversy—raising transparency and oversight challenges in balancing defense readiness versus domestic accountability.
Can social media help save democracy?
FT’s winning student essay explores how social media can revitalize democratic engagement by fostering open discourse, despite raising concerns about misinformation.
Insight
The author argues that social media can reflect the “agora” of ancient democracies, revitalizing public debate and empowering civic voices—especially among youth. While acknowledging risks like misinformation and algorithmic bias, the essay suggests thoughtful regulation and transparency can turn platforms into democratic assets. This debate underscores the tension between safeguarding freedom of expression and preserving truthful, informed public dialogue in digital age governance.
