¶ Overview
In 2025, Bobby Charles praised Trump’s “Department of Government Efficiency” and said he was “totally on side” with Trump’s agenda as DOGE-driven cuts and downsizing were affecting the federal government’s ability to deliver services to seniors. More than 375,000 Mainers relied on Social Security benefits.
Charles also called for a “DOGE for Maine” and proposed sweeping cuts to taxes and regulations that would impact state revenue and Maine’s ability to fund public services. Trump’s DOGE-related cuts eliminated roughly $3 million in federal funding for Maine nonprofits and environmental programs and threatened the livelihoods of more than 12,700 federal workers across the state, including employees at Acadia National Park and other critical federal agencies.
¶ Bobby Charles Praised DOGE And The Trump Administration Despite The Harm It Was Causing To The Social Security Administration
¶ Bobby Charles Claimed TRump’s DOGE Proved Sweeping Cuts Could Help Transform Maine
¶ Bobby Charles Said He Was “Totally On Side” With Trump’s Agenda And Praised Trump’s DOGE, Alleging It Would “Help Restore Maine”
October 2025: Charles Declared He “Loved” President Trump And Said He Was “Totally On Side” With Trump’s Agenda Without Apology. According to Bobby Charles at the 2025 Maine GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Forum, “CHARLES: So I love President Trump. I've been in his White House six times. I've written 500 articles for him. He's tweeted a bunch of them out. I am totally on side with what he's doing without apology. Six things we could immediately, immediately work with him on. Let's enforce Title nine. How about that? Then let’s get those high intensity drug trafficking dollars up here and the substance abuse dollars up here. Then let's use his workfare policy so you don't get benefits if you're able bodied unless you work or volunteer or go to school. Then we end the wind and solar. We don't keep pushing that. Of course, we work for the nuclear. And then, we close the northern border. And we push more Navy contracts to be IW.” [Bobby Charles, Maine GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Forum, 10/18/25] (VIDEO)
May 2025: Bobby Charles Praised Donald Trump’s DOGE, Further Saying Trump Was “Doing Great Stuff,” And Claimed DOGE Proved Sweeping Cuts And Deregulation Could Help Restore Maine. According to Bobby Charles on the Maine Policy Institute, “President, not since Ronald Reagan, I would say this President is going to what traditionally happens is two years in, people look around and go, geez, You know, he made all these promises and he didn't fulfill him. This president, Man, this guy was off the blocks before the smoke lifted from the gun. He was out there, and, and, and I think what you're going to find is people are going to, you know, you know what? We need a DOGE for Maine. You know what he's doing great stuff. You know what? He's saving tons of money. He's reoriented all the trade. He's bringing capital back by the trillions to the United States. He's putting us in a position where we're national security wise, public safety wise. We're safer at home. All the things actually, that we are missing here in Maine, he's going to make us safer, and we need to be safer here, and that's why you switch governors, so that you will, in fact, get a safe state again. You need you need economic affordability. He's doing that. He's restarting energy. He's getting away from crazy ideas and going back to core fossil fuels and bringing the bills down. He's not only doing that, but he's literally bringing taxes down. He's bringing capital back. When you bring capital back, what happens is, ultimately you get more jobs back. It'll take some time. It'll take, it'll take about two years. I think the timing could be perfect, because two years out, you're going to find Donald Trump has fulfilled his promises. And people going to go in, particularly in Maine, they're going to go, Wow. I mean, even probably I think some unaffiliated and even some resistant, Democrats, certainly some old note you know never Trumpers are going to go you know what that guy, Inflation is down, my interest rates are down on my credit cards I actually can afford my house.” [Bobby Charles Interview – Maine Policy Institute, 5/6/25]
¶ At The Social Security Administration, Doge Forced Mass Layoffs, Longer Wait Times And Frequent Website Crashes
HEADLINE: "Social Security Stops Reporting Call Wait Times And Other Metrics" [Washington Post, 6/20/25]
HEADLINE: "As Social Security Services Are Cut Back, Millions Of Seniors Face Long Drives" [Axios, 6/8/25]
HEADLINE: "Social Security Website Keeps Crashing, As DOGE Demands Cuts To IT Staff" [Washington Post, 4/7/25]
HEADLINE: "Social Security Faces Thousands More Job Cuts Even With Service In Tailspin" [Washington Post, 4/4/25]
The Center On Budget And Policy Priorities Said The Trump Administration Had Pushed Out 7,000 Social Security Workers. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, "Over the past five months, the Trump Administration has forced the Social Security Administration (SSA) through a radical transformation that threatens to disrupt services for the largely older and severely disabled people who most rely on the agency.[1] The Trump Administration and its so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have created huge gaps in customer service and support by indiscriminately pushing out 7,000 workers to hit an arbitrary staffing reduction target. This is the largest staffing cut in SSA’s history.[2] (See Figure 1.)" [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 6/23/25]
The Social Security Administration Website Crashed Four Times In Ten Days In March 2025 Because Servers Were Overloaded. According to the Washington Post, "The Social Security Administration website crashed four times in 10 days this month because the servers were overloaded, blocking millions of retirees and disabled Americans from logging in to their online accounts. In the field, office managers have resorted to answering phones in place of receptionists because so many employees have been pushed out. Amid all this, the agency no longer has a system to monitor customer experience because that office was eliminated as part of the cost-cutting efforts led by Elon Musk. And the phones keep ringing. And ringing." [Washington Post, 3/25/25]
Field Office Managers At Social Security Offices Had To Answer Phones In Place Of Receptionists Because DOGE Had Pushed Out So Many Federal Employees. According to the Washington Post, "The Social Security Administration website crashed four times in 10 days this month because the servers were overloaded, blocking millions of retirees and disabled Americans from logging in to their online accounts. In the field, office managers have resorted to answering phones in place of receptionists because so many employees have been pushed out. Amid all this, the agency no longer has a system to monitor customer experience because that office was eliminated as part of the cost-cutting efforts led by Elon Musk. And the phones keep ringing. And ringing." [Washington Post, 3/25/25]
DOGE Eliminated The Social Security Administration’s System To Monitor Customer Experience. According to the Washington Post, "The Social Security Administration website crashed four times in 10 days this month because the servers were overloaded, blocking millions of retirees and disabled Americans from logging in to their online accounts. In the field, office managers have resorted to answering phones in place of receptionists because so many employees have been pushed out. Amid all this, the agency no longer has a system to monitor customer experience because that office was eliminated as part of the cost-cutting efforts led by Elon Musk. And the phones keep ringing. And ringing." [Washington Post, 3/25/25]
Early February-Late March 2025: AARP Said More Than 2,000 People Per Week Had Called Expressing Concerns About Whether They Would Continue To Get Their Social Security Benefits. According to the Washington Post, "Alarmed lawmakers are straining to answer questions back home from angry constituents. Calls have flooded into congressional offices. AARP announced Monday that more than 2,000 people a week have called the retiree organization since early February — double the usual number — with concerns about whether benefits they paid for during their working careers will continue. Social Security is the primary source of income for about 40 percent of older Americans." [Washington Post, 3/25/25]
¶ More Than 375,700 People In Maine Relied On Social Security Benefits
In Maine, 375,793 People Relied On Social Security Benefits. According to the Social Security Administration, in 2024, 375,793 Mainers received Social Security benefits. [Social Security Administration, Maine, 2024]
¶ Bobby Charles Proposed A “DOGE For Maine” And Sweeping Cuts To Taxes And Regulations, Even Though Trump’s DOGE Slashed Federal Jobs And Funding Across Maine
¶ Bobby Charles Proposed A Permanent DOGE Agency In Maine
July 2025: Bobby Charles Proposed A “Permanent, 24/7” DOGE Agency In Maine And Accused Democratic Leadership Of Corruption. According to a Charles opinion from the Association Of Mature American Citizens, “Every state – starting with Maine – should have a ‘department of government efficiency’ or DOGE – a permanent, 24/7, oversight operation, much like an oversight committee, state auditor, or inspector general – but always open, eager, and welcoming for whistleblowers. Why? Because, as the old Catholic historian – Lord Acton – said, ‘power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ If there were ever a case in point, it is Democrat-controlled Maine. […] So, every state – starting with Maine – should adopt a ‘department of government efficiency’ or DOGE – a permanent, 24/7, oversight agency, like an oversight committee, state auditor, or inspector general – but always open and eager for whistleblowers.” [Bobby Charles Opinion – Association Of Mature American Citizens, 7/28/25]
Bobby Charles Shared A Video About Creating A “DOGE For Maine” If Elected Governor. According to Charles’ Twitter, “A DOGE for Maine.”
[Twitter, @Bobby4Maine, 5/6/25]
- May 2025: Bobby Charles Called For A Replica Of Donald Trump’s DOGE In Maine, And Claimed It Proved Sweeping Cuts And Deregulation Could Help Restore Maine. According to Bobby Charles on the Maine Policy Institute, “President, not since Ronald Reagan, I would say this President is going to what traditionally happens is two years in, people look around and go, geez, You know, he made all these promises and he didn't fulfill him. This president, Man, this guy was off the blocks before the smoke lifted from the gun. He was out there, and, and, and I think what you're going to find is people are going to, you know, you know what? We need a DOGE for Maine. You know what he's doing great stuff. You know what? He's saving tons of money. He's reoriented all the trade. He's bringing capital back by the trillions to the United States. He's putting us in a position where we're national security wise, public safety wise. We're safer at home. All the things actually, that we are missing here in Maine, he's going to make us safer, and we need to be safer here, and that's why you switch governors, so that you will, in fact, get a safe state again. You need you need economic affordability. He's doing that. He's restarting energy. He's getting away from crazy ideas and going back to core fossil fuels and bringing the bills down. He's not only doing that, but he's literally bringing taxes down. He's bringing capital back. When you bring capital back, what happens is, ultimately you get more jobs back. It'll take some time. It'll take, it'll take about two years. I think the timing could be perfect, because two years out, you're going to find Donald Trump has fulfilled his promises. And people going to go in, particularly in Maine, they're going to go, Wow. I mean, even probably I think some unaffiliated and even some resistant, Democrats, certainly some old note you know never Trumpers are going to go you know what that guy, Inflation is down, my interest rates are down on my credit cards I actually can afford my house.” [Bobby Charles Interview – Maine Policy Institute, 5/6/25]
¶ Bobby Charles Proposed Extreme Tax And Fee Cuts That Would Undermine State Revenue And Public Services
Campaign Website: Charles Proposed Eliminating The State Income Tax And Rolling Back Regulations He Said Burdened Maine’s Economy. According to Bobby Charles’ Campaign Website, “Bobby Charles will reverse the heavy burden that businesses and working families face under high taxes and excessive regulations. He pledges to abolish the state income tax, slash unnecessary regulation, and cut the red tape that stifles economic growth, so Mainers can keep more of what they earn and attract more opportunity to our state.” [Bobby For Maine, Issues, Archived 1/14/26]
October 2025: Bobby Charles Unveiled An Extreme Tax And Fee Cut Agenda. According to Bobby Charles’ Facebook, “10 JANET MILLS RED TAPE TAXES & FEES I PLAN TO CUT IMMEDIATELY 1. CUT THE INCOME TAX. Start totally phasing out the income tax by reducing Maine's punitive income tax rates by 20% across all brackets and raise the threshold for the top rate from $63,450 to $85,000. This will save middle-class families thousands annually while keeping Maine competitive with neighboring states. 2. CUT PROPERTY TAXES. Cut state mandates on schools, counties, and towns, while cutting the budget to allow tax incentives for attracting and retaining businesses, restarting commercial revenue. 3. CUT THE SALES TAX. Reduce Maine's 5.5% sales tax to 4.5% on essential goods and services. This 18% reduction will save families hundreds of dollars annually on groceries, clothing, and household necessities. 4. CUT THE NETFLIX TAX. Completely eliminate Mills' new 5.5% streaming tax before it takes effect on January 1, 2026. Maine families shouldn't pay Augusta politicians for their Netflix and Spotify subscriptions. 5. CUT FISHING LICENSES & FEES. Roll back Mills' $7 fishing license fee increase and restore fees to historical levels. Reduce resident fishing licenses from $25 to $18 and make fishing accessible to all Maine families. 6. CUT HUNTING LICENSES & FEES. Reduce hunting license fees by 30% across all categories. Cut resident hunting licenses from $26 to $18 and combination licenses from $43 to $30, making Maine's outdoor heritage affordable for working families. 7. CUT THE CIGARETTE TAX. Reverse Mills' crushing cigarette tax hike from $3.50 back to $2.00 per pack. This will save smokers over $400 annually and reduce cross-border shopping that hurts Maine businesses. 8. CUT CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT FEES. Eliminate all fees for concealed carry permits for Maine residents. Constitutional rights shouldn't come with a price tag from Augusta bureaucrats. 9. CUT ARBORIST LICENSE FEES. Roll back the 140% arborist license fee increase from $180 back to $75. These professional licensing fees drive up costs for homeowners and small businesses across Maine. 10. CUT THE PAINT FEE. Eliminate environmental fees on paint and similar products that add unnecessary costs to home improvement projects and burden Maine families.”
[Facebook, Bobby Charles, 10/2/25]
- October 2025: Charles Proposed A 20% Income Tax Cut And Raising The Threshold For The Top Rate To $85,000. According to Bobby Charles’ Facebook, “1. CUT THE INCOME TAX. Start totally phasing out the income tax by reducing Maine's punitive income tax rates by 20% across all brackets and raise the threshold for the top rate from $63,450 to $85,000. This will save middle-class families thousands annually while keeping Maine competitive with neighboring states.” [Facebook, Bobby Charles, 10/2/25]
- October 2025: Charles Proposed Property Tax Cuts, Cutting “State Mandates On Schools, Counties, And Towns,” And Reducing The Budget. According to Bobby Charles’ Facebook, “2. CUT PROPERTY TAXES. Cut state mandates on schools, counties, and towns, while cutting the budget to allow tax incentives for attracting and retaining businesses, restarting commercial revenue.” [Facebook, Bobby Charles, 10/2/25]
- October 2025: Charles Proposed An 18% Sales Tax Cut On Essential Goods And Services. According to Bobby Charles’ Facebook, “3. CUT THE SALES TAX. Reduce Maine's 5.5% sales tax to 4.5% on essential goods and services. This 18% reduction will save families hundreds of dollars annually on groceries, clothing, and household necessities.” [Facebook, Bobby Charles, 10/2/25]
¶ DOGE Cut $3 Million In Federal Funding From Maine Nonprofits And Organizations
2025: DOGE Cuts Impacted Inflation Reduction Act Grants That Supported Climate Resiliency And Renewable Energy Projects In Maine. According to the Maine Morningstar, “Throughout Maine, nonprofits, tribes and local governments had begun work to increase environmental resiliency in their communities through federal grants funded in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. The Center for an Ecology-Based Economy in the town of Norway was awarded one of those grants to help the local school district transition to renewable energy and make building efficiency upgrades, as well as help the overall town develop a climate action plan. In southern Maine, the Greater Portland Council of Governments had been using its grant to expand regional capacity to respond to climate hazards and severe weather, which the state has seen increase in recent years.” [Maine Morningstar, 8/7/25]
2025: DOGE And The Trump Administration Terminated About $3 Million In Environmental And Climate Justice Grants In Maine Through The Environmental Protection Agency. According to the Maine Morningstar, “But in March the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency terminated these two grants, four others in Maine and hundreds across the country awarded through the Environmental and Climate Justice Program as part of the broad push from President Donald Trump’s administration to cut environmental justice measures, which seek to establish equitable access to healthy environments. Grantees in Maine, which also include the Penobscot Nation, Maine People’s Resource Center, United Charitable and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, with projects totaling about $3 million, are watching the first class-action lawsuit against the Trump administration terminating this program for a signal as to whether their funding could eventually be restored. […] The terminations were part of sweeping cuts to what the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency task force deemed unnecessary spending, including efforts it deemed diversity, equity and inclusion, also known as DEI.” [Maine Morningstar, 8/7/25]
¶ DOGE Cuts Targeted More Than 12,700 Federal Workers In Maine And Triggered Layoffs At Acadia National Park And The Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration
¶ Trump’s DOGE Layoff Plans Targeted More Than 12,700 Federal Workers In Maine
July 2025: The U.S. Supreme Court Ruled The Trump Administration Could Move Forward With DOGE Layoff Plans, Targeting More Than 12,700 Federal Workers In Maine. According to Central Maine, “Federal workers in Maine and around the country are facing uncertainty following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows the Trump administration to move forward with widespread workforce reductions, though it's still early to say exactly what impact the decision will have. The court's order Tuesday allows the administration to proceed with plans to reduce the size of the federal workforce and reorganize federal agencies. The decision unfreezes plans for layoffs that were already in the works and were blocked by a lower court, and it could result in job losses for tens of thousands of employees around the country. […] There are about 12,700 federal employees in Maine. Many of them - about 6,500 - are employed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery.” [Central Maine, 7/9/25]
¶ DOGE Cuts Triggered Layoffs At Acadia National Park And The Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration In Maine
HEADLINE: “Acadia National Park, SAMHSA Employees Fired As Trump Administration Slashes Federal Workforce” [Portland Press Herald, 2/19/25]
February 2025: DOGE Cuts Triggered Layoffs At Acadia National Park And The Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration In Maine. According to the Portland Press Herald, “Workers at Acadia National Park and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration were laid off last week as part of a mass firing of about 10,000 federal employees to slash government spending. The eight Acadia National Park employees laid off last week represent a 10% reduction of year-round staff for one of the state's busiest tourist attractions. One SAMSHA employee was also let go. As of Wednesday afternoon, it was unclear whether there were more layoffs of federal employees in Maine who are not political appointees. The terminated Acadia workers are among 1,000 National Park Service employees who were fired as President Donald Trump and the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, make dramatic cuts to the federal workforce.” [Portland Press Herald, 2/19/25]
- February 2025: Acadia National Park Contributed More Than $475 Million In Visitor Spending And $685 Million To Maine’s Economy. According to the Portland Press Herald, “Acadia National Park has received nearly 4 million visitors annually since the pandemic, and last year brought in over $475 million in visitor spending and contributed $685 million in economic output, according to the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce.” [Portland Press Herald, 2/19/25]
February 2025: Federal Hiring Freeze Hit Acadia National Park While It Was Already Operating Below Full Staffing. According to the Portland Press Herald, “The federal government has been under a hiring freeze since Jan. 20, leaving many concerned about the impact on seasonal staffing. Acadia National Park, which has a year-round workforce of up to 100 but was operating with about 75 before the layoffs, hires around 150 seasonal workers to support the park during the busy summer and fall seasons.” [Portland Press Herald, 2/19/25]