Hard working Americans are tired of giving away $$ to Zamunda for research on squirrels! DOGE is working! It’s time for our tax paying $ to come back home to America. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/sMQHXDZrG0
— Rep. Tony Gonzales (@RepTonyGonzales) March 9, 2025
In a fiery post on X on March 9, 2025, U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX) took aim at what he described as wasteful federal spending, specifically calling out funding for “research on squirrels” in the fictional country of Zamunda. The post, which included an image from a CNN “State of the Union” segment, ignited a heated online debate about government priorities, border security, and the role of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Let’s dive into the context, data, and implications of Gonzales’ critique.
The Post: A Call for Fiscal Responsibility
Gonzales, a Navy veteran and representative of Texas’s 23rd congressional district, tweeted: “Hard working Americans are tired of giving away $$ to Zamunda for research on squirrels! DOGE is working! It’s time for our tax paying $ to come back home to America. ” The reference to Zamunda, a fictional African nation from the 1988 film Coming to America, appears to be a sarcastic jab, implying frivolous or misallocated foreign aid. The mention of DOGE highlights the Trump administration’s initiative, co-led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, aimed at slashing government waste through efficiency measures.
The post’s timing—March 9, 2025, at 15:47 UTC—coincides with ongoing national discussions about federal budget cuts, border security, and public discontent with government spending. Gonzales’ district, which spans rural and border areas of Texas, has long been a focal point for debates over immigration and resource allocation, making his stance politically resonant.
What’s Behind the “Squirrel Research” Critique?
Gonzales’ reference to squirrel research likely targets federally funded scientific studies, particularly those supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). According to the Squirrel-Net website (squirrel-net.org), the NSF has funded Squirrel-Net, a collaborative project focused on Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) involving squirrel behavior and ecology. The program, which received NSF funding, aims to engage students in hands-on research, with modules assessing squirrel behavior and habitat use. While the exact funding amount for Squirrel-Net isn’t specified in public reports, the NSF’s broader investment in biological and ecological research in 2024 exceeded $900 million, according to its annual budget summary.
Critics, including Gonzales, argue that such projects represent government overreach or wasteful spending, especially when compared to pressing domestic needs like border security or infrastructure. However, supporters of NSF funding contend that these studies contribute to broader scientific knowledge, ecological understanding, and educational outcomes, with long-term benefits for society.
DOGE and the Push for Efficiency
Gonzales’ invocation of DOGE ties his critique to Executive Order 14158, signed by President Trump on January 20, 2025, establishing the Department of Government Efficiency. As outlined on the White House website (whitehouse.gov), DOGE aims to reduce the federal workforce, eliminate non-mandatory programs, and cut costs through measures like a hiring freeze and large-scale reductions in force (RIFs). The initiative prioritizes cutting programs like diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and other non-statutory functions, but it has faced criticism for potentially targeting politically unpopular programs rather than achieving genuine savings.
Elon Musk, a key figure in DOGE, has been vocal about slashing what he calls “government waste.” However, a January 2025 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimated that only about 2% of federal discretionary spending—roughly $80 billion annually—could realistically be trimmed without affecting critical services. Musk’s businesses, including Tesla and SpaceX, have received over $40 billion in government subsidies, a fact highlighted by critics in response to Gonzales’ post (e.g., X user @Henning00481163).
Border Security and Texas Context
Gonzales’ district, TX-23, includes parts of the U.S.-Mexico border, where immigration and security remain top concerns. A 2024 report from the Texas Tribune (texastribune.org) revealed that Texas has spent billions on border security operations under Governor Greg Abbott, including $2 billion annually for deploying 10,000 National Guard members and $2.5 million weekly for Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers. Yet, the state struggles to provide detailed outcomes or cost-effectiveness data, fueling frustration among constituents like TX-23 ranchers, as noted in a reply to Gonzales’ post by X user @1MikeBrown.
Gonzales’ post suggests that funds spent on squirrel research—or perceived foreign aid—could better support border security and American agriculture, aligning with his campaign platform and the priorities of his district.
Public Reaction and Controversy
The X thread following Gonzales’ post reveals a polarized response. Supporters, like @dogeai_gov, praised DOGE’s mission, while critics, such as @brianabanksxxxx, accused Gonzales of misrepresenting public sentiment and prioritizing wealthy interests. Others, like @1MikeBrown, detailed specific examples of NSF-funded research, including $600,000 for squirrel mating studies and $1.5M for coat color investigations, arguing these are emblematic of broader waste.
The mention of Zamunda drew humorous and skeptical replies, with users like @JJXMeta questioning whether Gonzales meant Wakanda (another fictional African nation) or was simply using satire. The post’s inclusion of a CNN panel image also sparked comments about the “comfortable” appearance of political figures, reflecting broader distrust in government elites.
Data and Broader Implications
- NSF Funding for Research: In fiscal year 2024, the NSF allocated $9.5 billion across various fields, with biological sciences receiving a significant portion. Squirrel-related studies, while a small fraction, have become a lightning rod for critics of federal science funding.
- Federal Spending on Border Security: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) budget for 2024 was $20.6 billion, while Texas’s state-led efforts added billions more, per the Texas Tribune.
- DOGE’s Potential Impact: A February 2025 White House order (whitehouse.gov) mandates reducing the federal workforce by hiring only one employee for every four who leave, potentially saving billions but risking service disruptions.
A Political Flashpoint
Rep. Tony Gonzales’ post encapsulates a larger cultural and political divide over government spending, scientific research, and national priorities. While his critique of “squirrel research” taps into public frustration with perceived waste, it oversimplifies the value of NSF-funded studies and ignores the complexities of federal budgeting. DOGE’s role, while promising efficiency, raises questions about its focus on politically charged cuts rather than systemic reform.
For Texans in TX-23, border security remains a pressing concern, but the solution lies in transparent, data-driven policies—not symbolic attacks on squirrel studies. As DOGE moves forward, its success will depend on balancing fiscal responsibility with the preservation of essential programs, a challenge that will shape America’s future in 2025 and beyond.
References:
- National Science Foundation Annual Budget Summary, FY 2024
- Squirrel-Net, www.squirrel-net.org
- White House, Executive Order 14158, January 20, 2025
- Texas Tribune, “Texas’ Return on Billions in Border Security Spending Is a Mystery,” March 4, 2024
- X Post by Rep. Tony Gonzales, March 9, 2025 (Post ID: 1898762495315067243)
