The DOGE initiative has significantly impacted the U.S. government by reducing the federal workforce to levels unseen since the 1960s. Despite this, government spending has paradoxically increased. Significant workforce reductions have occurred, with nearly a quarter of a million federal employees leaving their jobs. This includes over 112,000 opting into deferred resignation programs and approximately 121,000 being terminated across agencies.
Eleven federal agencies have been either hollowed out or shut down entirely, with over 8,500 contracts and 10,000 grants terminated. Foreign aid and education spending have been drastically cut, while procurement processes and data sharing have been altered. Despite promises of $2 trillion in savings, DOGE has reportedly saved only $160 billion so far, without significantly reducing overall government expenditure. In fact, total spending has risen by 6.3% since Trump took office.
DOGE’s operations were led by Elon Musk, who assembled a team with backgrounds in engineering and venture capital. Musk’s approach was aggressive, particularly affecting the U.S. Agency for International Development, which saw mass layoffs and destruction of internal documents. Significant cuts also occurred in smaller foreign aid agencies.
By March, backlash against DOGE intensified, leading to numerous lawsuits and concerns from Congressional Republicans about impacts on veterans and rural health clinics. Musk’s influence waned as his business fortunes declined, prompting him to reduce his involvement in DOGE. Despite this, reductions in force continue in various agencies, though the Pentagon remains largely untouched.
DOGE’s legacy includes deep cuts in scientific research, healthcare, and international development, with long-term rebuilding efforts anticipated. A new project aims to consolidate an immigration and citizenship database.
— new from Politico