Summary
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was shut down earlier than planned, having achieved much less in savings than expected. Although it was created to cut wasteful spending and increase government efficiency, its reported savings figures have been questioned and found to be exaggerated.
Key Facts
- DOGE, a U.S. government advisory department, was dissolved ahead of its 18-month schedule.
- It was intended to cut government waste and increase productivity by reducing jobs and canceling contracts.
- DOGE claimed savings of $214 billion, equating to about $1,329 per taxpayer.
- Elon Musk, initially a figurehead for DOGE, aimed for $1 to $2 trillion in savings but revised expectations downward.
- There were plans for a “DOGE Dividend” for taxpayers which did not materialize.
- CBS News found that DOGE often inflated its reported savings due to errors.
- The Partnership for Public Service reported that DOGE's actions cost the government about $135 billion in lost productivity and legal expenses.
- Errors in DOGE's accounting were significant, including claims of cutting an $8 billion ICE contract that was actually worth $8 million.
