The government funding bill scuttled by Trump and Musk yesterday did indeed contain lots of dubious spending.

On the other hand, it seems clear the GOP isn't really interested in fiscal restraint, as shown by Trump's demand to abolish the debt limit (one of the few restraints on endless deficit spending). Republicans spent like drunken sailors during Trump's first term, and are likely to do so again this time, as the party rules out cuts in any of the major categories of federal spending (entitlements, defense), and wants to massively increase spending on the evil purpose of mass deportation (which will also damage the country's fiscal position in other ways, as immigrants - including illegal ones - reduce the deficit).

Republicans get fiscal religion when there is a Dem in the White House. When an R is there, they flush it down the drain.

Dems, of course, have their own severe flaws on fiscal issues. But that doesn't excuse the Republicans, or vice versa.

The best (or least-bad) fiscal combination in recent years is a D president with Rs controlling at least one house of Congress. Sadly, not going to happen again for at least 4 years.