Donald Trump and Elon Musk claim their Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is saving billions by slashing federal bureaucracy. But the numbers tell a different story.
Instead of cutting costs, government spending has actually increased since Trump took office.
Government Spending Has Risen Despite Cuts
A Reuters analysis found that between January 21 and February 20, the Trump administration spent $710 billion—which is nearly $1 billion more than Joe Biden spent during the same period last year.
Where is the money going?
- Health and retirement programs
- Interest payments on the national debt
- Other mandatory government expenses
Meanwhile, critical services like Medicare, global health initiatives, and air travel safety are facing massive cuts.
DOGE’s Mass Layoffs Haven’t Reduced Costs
Elon Musk’s DOGE program has fired over 20,000 federal employees, claiming these job cuts will reduce government waste.
The biggest agency affected is the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)—which spent $42 billion in 2023 before it was gutted.
Musk has set a goal of cutting the federal deficit by $1 trillion by 2026, but so far, spending continues to climb.
Investigations Expose Exaggerated Savings
Reports from The New York Times and The Washington Post have uncovered serious issues with DOGE’s cost-cutting claims:
- DOGE announced an $8 billion ICE contract cancellation, but the actual cut was only $8 million.
- Many contracts DOGE claimed to have eliminated had already expired, meaning there were zero savings.
Political and Legal Backlash is Growing
As spending climbs and cost-cutting claims unravel, DOGE is facing intense scrutiny.
Even some Republican lawmakers are questioning the effectiveness of Musk’s program.
Legal challenges are mounting as federal employees and agencies push back against what they call reckless and misleading budget cuts.
Is DOGE Just a Smokescreen?
While Musk and Trump promote DOGE as a game-changing cost-cutter, the reality is far different.
Spending is up, government savings are exaggerated or non-existent, and the promised $1 trillion deficit reduction seems highly unrealistic.
James is a talented content writer and digital researcher. He focuses on topics like investments, finance, scams, and product reviews. He works hard to uncover the truth behind online claims and explains things clearly. James is also great at spotting scams and sharing honest advice with readers. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys playing chess and basketball, blending his strategic thinking with a love for both quiet focus and active fun.
