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Mailbag Monday: Elon’s out, 2026 pushback and explaining the ‘big, beautiful bill’

‘Politically Georgia’ hosts answer questions from the listener mailbag.
Elon Musk, from left, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick walk to join President Donald Trump on Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, March 7, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

Elon Musk, from left, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick walk to join President Donald Trump on Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, March 7, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP)
By and Gray Mollenkamp
June 2, 2025

On Monday’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Politically Georgia” podcast, the hosts answered questions from the listener mailbag.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution journalists Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell responded to questions about Insurance Commissioner John King’s political positioning, how Georgia might handle federal funding cuts to food stamps and whether Gov. Brian Kemp is ready to retire — or rule from the sidelines.

Mitchell and Bluestein also discussed Elon Musk’s announcement that he’s leaving the Trump administration after leading efforts to slash the federal government.

Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions to PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.

Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play the Politically Georgia podcast.”

About the Authors

Natalie Mendenhall produces the "Politically Georgia" podcast. She also steps in front of the mic, creating compelling segments for the show. Before joining the AJC, the Chicago native worked as a senior producer at Georgia Public Broadcasting.

Follow Natalie Mendenhall on twitter

Gray Mollenkamp joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in May 2025 as an intern on the politics team. He is majoring in International Relations and Legal Studies at Claremont McKenna College.

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