The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has reported a staggering $65 billion in savings, but the accuracy of these figures remains in question.
Overseen by Elon Musk and established by Donald Trump to curb government spending, DOGE was designed to eliminate wasteful taxpayer expenditures. Musk had promised transparency in the agency’s cost-cutting measures, with updates posted on the DOGE website.
On February 24, DOGE updated its reported savings, claiming the total had reached an eye-watering $65 billion.
According to the agency, these savings stem from:
- Fraud detection and deletion
- Contract and lease cancellations or renegotiations
- Asset sales
- Grant cancellations
- Workforce reductions
- Programmatic changes
- Regulatory savings
Contracts and Cuts in Question
Among the high-profile cuts listed are two Consumer Financial Protection Bureau contracts, each valued at $9,999,999, related to OMWI Training Support.
In real estate savings, DOGE claims that terminating a DHS Office of the Undersecretary for Management lease in Arlington, Virginia, will save over $12 million over five years.
However, the origin of the $65 billion total remains unclear, and the New York Times has raised concerns over the credibility of DOGE’s figures.
Allegations of Errors and Inaccuracies
An investigation by The New York Times found multiple issues with the savings calculations, stating the DOGE website is “riddled with mistakes.” The report highlighted:
- Accounting errors
- Incorrect assumptions
- Outdated data
- Other discrepancies
While DOGE has undoubtedly made budget cuts, the Times suggested its “slapdash accounting” reflects “a pattern of recklessness,” especially considering the agency’s access to sensitive government payment systems.
Adding to the controversy, some of the cuts listed by DOGE allegedly occurred during Joe Biden’s presidency, further complicating the agency’s claims.
White House Response
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended DOGE’s mission, telling The Independent:
“President Trump promised the American people he would establish a Department of Government Efficiency, overseen by Elon Musk, to make the federal government more efficient and accountable to taxpayers.
Rogue bureaucrats and activist judges attempting to undermine this effort are only subverting the will of the American people. DOGE has already identified billions of dollars in savings for American taxpayers, and President Trump will continue to direct this effort until our government is truly for the people, and by the people.”
While DOGE’s reported savings are headline-grabbing, questions about the accuracy and legitimacy of its claims continue to swirl.
