One development coming out of the election of Donald Trump is the formation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. The temporary commission is not an official government entity but will have a direct line to Trump and intends to influence the cutting of trillions of dollars of government spending.

The department also has an advocate inside the government in the form of Chair of the Senate DOGE Caucus, Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican representing Iowa. Long a critic of overspending by the federal government, she is coming into the role with a number of examples of what she deems unnecessary spending.

  • Included on that list is branded merchandise commissioned for federal agencies, grouping it with such wastefulness as extended paid leave for employees investigated for misconduct.

“Federal agencies collectively spend $1.5 billion every year on public relations and propaganda,” Ernst wrote. “This includes koozies, key chains, coloring books, Snuggies, and costumed mascots. Let’s bag the swag.”

Ernst has seemingly made an impression on Trump. With the nomination of Pete Hegseth as defense secretary under intense scrutiny, Ernst is reportedly on the short list of potential replacements to serve in the role.

PPAI’s Reaction

While these reactions remain talking points at the moment, PPAI and its lobbying firm, Thorn Run Partners, are not brushing off Ernst’s comments.

“We reached out immediately to our partners in Washington, who have existing relationships with Senator Ernst’s staff,” says Rachel Zoch, PPAI’s public affairs & research editor. “They’ve already had an encouraging conversation with key members of her team on behalf of the industry. We’ll definitely follow up at LEAD, now set for April 8.”

We reached out immediately to our partners in Washington, who have existing relationships with Senator Ernst’s staff.”

Rachel Zoch

Public Affairs & Reseach Editor, PPAI

  • Legislative Education and Action Day (LEAD) brings promo leaders directly to Capitol Hill and face to face with legislators to advocate for the importance of branded merchandise as well as getting into specific legislation and how it affects business.

As Thorn Run Partners follows up with Ernst, PPAI plans to provide specific information concerning promo’s economic impact in Iowa, the state that she represents. The Association may call on a few members located in the area to add their voices to the conversation.

For questions or suggestions on regulatory or government affairs issues, please contact Rachel Zoch at RachelZ@ppai.org.