To the editor:

In response to the commentary extolling the merits of the DOGE hoax (“DOGE fiscal reforms will save our nation from bankruptcy,” March 25), please read the assessment by RSM, a London based tax, accounting firm: “The Real U.S. Economy.”

“While one can make a credible argument to pull back on government spending during a time of inflation, it is simply not true that the U.S. is on the verge of a debt and deficit crisis.

“In contrast, the financial health of the United States is relatively healthy within the context of the total value of U.S. assets.

“The total debt of U.S. governments (federal, state and local) is $33.6 trillion, with the federal portion accounting for $31.4 trillion. At first glance, that figure underscores the argument to cut back on spending and the need for a periodic crisis to create the conditions for spending restraint.

“Total government debt comprises about 23% of total nonfinancial assets of $143.6 trillion. That implies that the U.S. economy — despite large nominal private and public debt — sits on an asset base four times larger and an economy that generated a nominal gross domestic product of $26.4 trillion through the first quarter of this year alone.

“When viewed within that context, as well as the annual growth of GDP, $33.6 trillion in government debt, as high as it seems, is manageable.”

My concern are several factors that will affect the national GDP such as the foolish tariffs that President Trump keeps throwing around that will hurt farms and businesses, deporting thousands of immigrants who are actually contributing to our economy as well as paying into the IRS and Social Security coffers, which they are not able to collect — a direct refute of Musk’s nonsense that they are able to collect Social Security. They cannot, ever. Mr. Musk has never found any evidence of fraud, waste and abuse … just minuscule amounts I’ve read. Does that justify paying him and DOGE people millions?

The federal government is a service, not a profit/loss business. What do you think will happen as a result from firing a hundred thousand civil service employees? A loss to the economy, loss of tax income. The National Park Service actually makes money with the millions of people who visit each year. Does it make sense to fire park rangers?

Bottom line is that Trump and Musk are fishing around to find savings to offset the tax cuts for billionaires and corporations. The numbers will never add up. DOGE is a hoax, pure and simple. If the wealthy and corporations pay their taxes, it will bring down the national debt.

Firing the 18 inspectors general, whose jobs were to monitor waste, fraud and abuse was the first signal to me that Trump would be up to no good. They are salivating over Social Security. If they destroy it, it will be the end of millions of seniors who rely on it. If they think people are angry now, can you even imagine what would happen?

Jennifer Zahn,

Saranac Lake