Do You Want DOGE?

Hi Global Recap readers,

For many outside the US, or those who aren't into American politics, the name DOGE might be unfamiliar. For those who've heard of it, it's likely just known as a meme coin.

And you're right—it is a meme coin, but it’s also a new “department” working closely with President Trump.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on it, because I see so many conflicting views in the wide west that is the Internet.

Personally, I think it’s great. Your thoughts?

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
DOGE: What Are
Your Thoughts?

If you're outside the US, you might not have heard about the brand-new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by none other than Elon Musk.

The mission? Simplify government processes and slash waste—something that's got everyone buzzing.

What is DOGE?

DOGE was established on January 20, 2025, by an executive order from President Donald Trump.

• The department aims to modernize federal technology and software, dismantle bureaucracy, and eliminate wasteful spending.

• It’s a temporary agency set to shut down by July 4, 2026—just in time for America’s 250th birthday.

• For all kinds of reasons, people are both furious with and fascinated by what DOGE is up to.

Critics VS Supporters

• Critics, especially on the left, argue that Musk is acting like a "co-President," tearing down the very system that keeps America running. Also, they accuse DOGE of not being transparent, but they have a X account that documents all their findings.

Here’s a video I found that seems to capture the frustrations of DOGE supporters against their critics. However, critics argue that all of DOGE’s financial details can actually be traced through government archives, which are already available online (USAspending.gov).

• Supporters argue that DOGE is simply carrying out Trump’s mandate—cutting through government corruption. They see the loudest critics as those with the most to lose, believing their outrage signals just how deeply they benefit from the very system DOGE is trying to fix.

For instance, many are asking how Senator Elizabeth Warren—one of the most outspoken critics of DOGE—earns an annual salary of $285,000 yet has an estimated net worth of up to $12 million, according to Forbes in 2019. It is estimated to be much higher in 2025, but these are all speculations, of course.

Here’s Senator Warren, sounding a lot like DOGE supporters before her political career (left), and protesting DOGE’s operations in 2025 (right).

Recent Findings

In a short time, DOGE has already made some bold claims. Even the infamous US Debt Clock now features a separate tracker just to show how much DOGE is saving.

• DOGE announced it has saved over $1 billion by canceling diversity, equity, and inclusion contracts.

• There's ongoing controversy over DOGE’s access to sensitive government financial databases.

• Potential conflicts of interest have been raised due to Musk's extensive business empire.

Trump’s First

A recent poll shows that 70% of voters think Trump is following through on his promises. His overall approval rating sits at 53%, meaning most Americans back his actions.

📊 What's Your Opinion?

I’m really asking because I’m genuinely curious—what are your thoughts on how DOGE was created and its recent moves?

• Do you believe this department will lead to meaningful government reform?

• Are you concerned about its methods and potential implications?

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Trump’s Talk with
Putin and Zelenskyy

President Trump recently had a “lengthy and highly productive phone call” with President Putin, marking the start of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. It was their first confirmed chat since Trump’s second term began, and it’s clear that finding a US-backed resolution is top of Trump’s agenda.

Talk with Putin

• They discussed Discussed Ukraine, Middle East, energy, AI, and the power of the dollar.

• Both presidents agreed on the benefits of working together, but first, they need to halt the war.

• Trump plans to get the ball rolling on negotiations with Ukraine’s President Zelensky.

Talk with Zelenskyy

Shortly after that post, he made another one revealing that he had also spoken with President Zelenskyy after talking to Putin.

• They both expressed a shared commitment to peace.

• They also talked about the upcoming meeting at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, where Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with President Zelenskyy.

Saudi Meeting

Adding to all this, he told reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday that he expects to meet President Putin in Saudi Arabia for the first time since taking office to “see if we can get something done.”

• The date isn’t set yet, but the President said it would be in the “not too distant future.”

Hegseth at NATO

Here’s what US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had to say about Ukraine’s NATO bid on Wednesday at NATO headquarters:

• Hegseth emphasized that he wants a “sovereign and prosperous Ukraine,” but also argued that it’s time for realism over idealism.

• He called Ukraine’s goal of returning to pre-2014 borders an “illusory goal.”

• He suggested Europe should take the lead on peace deals, with strong military support.

• Any NATO troops deployed wouldn’t be covered by NATO’s Article Five (which obligates all member countries to assist if one is attacked).

• There will be no US combat troops deployed to Ukraine.

• For context, Article Five was only invoked once—after the 9/11 attacks.

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Russia Attacks,
Denies Territory Swap

As if to respond with action, rather than words, Russia launched a deadly attack on Kyiv while firmly rejecting any notion of swapping occupied territory.

Looks like the answer is “no” to President Zelenskyy's peace proposal, including the idea of giving up land to make it happen.

Brutal Attack on Kyiv

Russia's missile and drone assault hit Kyiv early Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

• President Zelenskyy confirmed one casualty and at least four wounded, including a child.

• Russian defense ministry claimed the attack targeted military-industrial sites producing drones.

• Zelenskyy accused President Putin of continuing violence rather than pursuing peace.

Firm Rejection

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Zelenskyy's territory swap idea outright.

• Russia remains adamant: "This is impossible. Russia has never and will never discuss the topic of exchanging its territory." Of course, "its" territory refers to the parts of Ukraine that Russia occupies.

• Zelenskyy had proposed a swap involving Ukrainian-held parts of Russia's western Kursk region.

Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

Discussions about the conflict's end are heating up, involving major international players.

• Zelenskyy is set to meet US Vice President JD Vance on Friday at the Munich Security Conference.

• Former President Trump's special envoy Keith Kellogg will visit Ukraine next week, just before the third anniversary of the invasion on February 24.

• Trump aims to leverage US aid to pressure Kyiv into concessions, even suggesting Ukraine "may be Russian someday."

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Israel Walks Back Demand

It really seems like Israel and the U.S. are the only ones working to keep the ceasefire alive.

After Hamas has recently rejected the ultimatum from Trump and Netanyahu, Israel softened its stance, saying the ceasefire could continue if three more hostages are freed by Saturday.

Ceasefire on the Line

Israel has sent a message through Egypt and Qatar:

• Hamas must release three more hostages by Saturday, or the ceasefire is off.

• The message followed conflicting statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials.

Conflicting Statements

All this is happening despite the strong words recently from President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

• President Trump initially warned that Hamas would see “Hell” if they didn’t release all remaining hostages by Saturday. However, he later softened his stance, saying that Israel has the final say and can override him.

• Soon after, Netanyahu warned: "If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end.

Religious Zionism Party

However, “far-right” ministers want harsher measures on top of the hostage release.

• They demand the re-arrest of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners if Hamas doesn’t release the three hostages.

• However, security officials are wary, saying this could endanger hostages’ lives.