By John Doak (Former Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner)
With President Trump returning to office for a second term, conservatives nationwide are eager to see decisive action on key issues including taxes, government efficiency, and fiscal responsibility. The president and Congress have a historic opportunity to eliminate waste, streamline federal agencies, and put America back on a path of economic strength.
One of the most pressing concerns facing our country is excessive federal spending. With a national debt surpassing $36 trillion, America cannot afford to continue down the path of uncontrolled borrowing. Fiscal discipline must be a top priority for this administration to ensure a bright future for our country.
Cutting Waste and Inefficiency
President Trump is taking immediate steps to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse across the federal government. A key priority should be the dissolution of the Federal Insurance Office (FIO). This agency, established under the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010, has faced criticism for overreach and redundancy, leading to legislative attempts to abolish it. Eliminating the FIO would restore regulatory authority over the insurance industry to the states, reducing federal bureaucracy and promoting efficiency.
Additionally, the newly hired 87,000 IRS agents should be dismissed in favor of a streamlined, technology-driven approach to tax collection, reducing government overreach and inefficiency.
Furthermore, the American taxpayer should no longer bear the financial costs of illegal immigration. The federal government must ensure that only legal citizens receive benefits, reducing the strain on public resources and restoring fairness to the system.
New Technology, Elon Musk, and DOGE
President Trump’s recent appointment of Elon Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) marks a significant move toward fiscal discipline. Musk’s mandate includes cutting federal bureaucracy, regulations, and spending, with a target of $2 trillion in reductions. He has also been tasked with leveraging automation to make the government leaner and more effective. This initiative aligns with the “America First” agenda, focusing on fiscal responsibility and efficient governance. This partnership is the beginning of a new age of government efficiency led by forward-thinking leaders dedicated to streamlining operations and cutting unnecessary costs—a concept that the states should be duplicating ASAP!
Tackling Entitlement Reform and Healthcare Costs
Addressing the biggest drivers of the national debt—Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid—is critical. As the former Insurance Commissioner of Oklahoma and chair of the NAIC Antifraud Task Force, I have witnessed firsthand the fraud and waste within these programs, including from licensed insurance agents. Cracking down on fraudulent claims and streamlining services could save billions and create a more sustainable future for these essential programs.
A Call to Action for Congress
President Trump and Congress have a golden opportunity to lead America toward financial stability. By cutting wasteful spending, making strategic budget cuts, and embracing technological advancements, they can secure our nation’s continued prosperity. Now is the time for bold leadership and decisive action to ensure that future generations inherit a stronger, more fiscally responsible America.
My Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility
As the former elected Republican Insurance Commissioner of our state, I stand completely behind DOGE and fully support Elon Musk’s initiatives to modernize the federal government. Embracing technological advancements and eliminating inefficiencies is crucial to ensuring a government that serves the people responsibly and effectively.
