Nashville Standard

United States Senator Bill Hagerty recently appeared on CNBC's Squawk Box to discuss various topics, including budget negotiations and findings by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) regarding wasteful spending. Hagerty emphasized the importance of collaboration between the White House and Congress to address energy independence, national defense, inflation, and tax cuts proposed by former President Trump.

On budget negotiations, Hagerty stated, "There’s been a lot that’s been done by executive order, but in this case, we’re working very closely, again, with the House and the Senate together." He highlighted ongoing discussions among key political figures like John Thune and Lindsey Graham to finalize a comprehensive budget plan.

Regarding DOGE's recent findings on fiscal inefficiencies, Hagerty noted that uncovering waste could lead to immediate corrective actions and long-term fiscal improvements. He expressed concern over the $37 trillion budget deficit: "I think what DOGE is uncovering is the fact that there’s a considerable amount of waste, fraud, and abuse that’s in the system."

Hagerty also addressed the success of confirming Trump's cabinet nominees. He remarked on Trump's influence in forming an effective team: "President Trump is entitled to his team. He’s put together an incredible team."

In discussing internal Democratic challenges, Hagerty commented on perceived instability within the party: "The Democrat party is coming unraveled." He criticized their reaction to Russ Vought's confirmation as OMB Director.

On international matters, specifically negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Hagerty urged caution against premature speculation while expressing hope for resolution: "What we all want to see is an end to the death, to the carnage."

Hagerty praised transparency efforts under Trump’s administration with daily press conferences as indicative of positive change: "That’s transparency that we’ve not seen in the past four years."

Finally, addressing federal government resignations amid rapid changes under Trump's leadership, he acknowledged some discomfort among officials but stressed adaptability: "Some people are uncomfortable with that; I get it. They can find another place to work."