The editors of the right-wing Wall Street Journal are generally sympathetic toward X owner Elon Musk unlawfully shutting down government agencies but they warn that he could see his efforts wasted if he's not more careful.
In an editorial published on Wednesday, the editors argue that Musk is right to target U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), an independent government agency that provides humanitarian relief around the world.
However, the editors believe that USAID needs "a house-cleaning and maybe a reduction in what it does so it can focus on the most important" rather than simply getting shut down by an unelected billionaire such as Musk.
ALSO READ: 'They will pay a price': Senator vows to 'make life difficult for complicit Republicans'
In fact, the editors write, Musk's actions have already inspired a wave of lawsuits that could successfully shut down his efforts all together.
"That’s all the more reason for the DOGErs to have a plan that works within the law and builds political support," the editors insist. "The lawsuits are already flying, and courts will derail Mr. Musk’s project before it even gets off the ground if he isn’t careful."
The editorial concludes by arguing that fixing or even abolishing USAID "takes more sustained political effort than a howling wind of tweets in the middle of the night."