If Democratic lawmakers refuse to listen to President Trump about cutting government waste, perhaps they’ll heed the words of former President Barack Obama.
Obama Called for Spending Cuts in 2011
In a recently rediscovered video from 2011, President Obama strongly urged the federal government to eliminate wasteful spending and programs—even those “many people care about.”
“Everyone understands reducing the deficit requires difficult choices,” Obama emphasized. “We must cut billions in spending, even programs popular with many.”
The footage is gaining traction among conservatives, reminding Democrats opposed to President Trump’s similar efforts that even Obama supported fiscal responsibility.
Examples of Wasteful Spending Highlighted by Obama:
- Federally funded website for the “Fiddlin’ Foresters,” a folk music group of forest rangers.
- Thousands of empty federal buildings nationwide.
“Wasteful spending should be stopped whether we have a deficit or not,” Obama stated clearly. “Every dollar wasted is unacceptable—especially since it’s your money. American families must live within their means; our government should, too.”
Biden’s Role in Eliminating Wasteful Spending
Obama tasked then-Vice President Joe Biden with hunting down misspent tax dollars across every federal agency.
Biden acknowledged this challenge, saying it required “relentless focus.”
“We’re committed to accountability and making government work better,” Biden remarked.
Conservatives Highlight Bipartisan Agreement
The video is widely shared by conservative commentators who see bipartisan agreement on cutting spending:
- Elon Musk: “Obama sounds exactly like @DOGE!!”
- Joe Rogan: “It took 14 years and leaders like @elonmusk and @realDonaldTrump to finally put words into action.”
- Glenn Ordway: “President Trump is essentially following Obama’s 2011 playbook—funny how Democrats weren’t upset back then.”
- Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX): “There’s truly a video or tweet for everything (2011).”
Do you think both parties should unite to eliminate government waste?