DOGE: The Department of Government Efficiency and Its Mission to Cut Costs

So… What Exactly Is DOGE?

No, this isn’t about Dogecoin, the meme cryptocurrency (although the confusion is understandable). Instead, DOGE is the Department of Government Efficiency, an initiative created by President Donald Trump with the goal of streamlining federal operations, reducing waste, and cutting spending on a historic scale.

Trump tapped Elon Musk—yes, the same Elon Musk who runs Tesla, SpaceX, and keeps finding new ways to make headlines—to be a key advisor in the effort. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy was also brought on board, though he stepped away in early 2025 to pursue a run for governor of Ohio.

But despite some leadership shake-ups, DOGE has moved full speed ahead, already making big (and sometimes controversial) changes to how the federal government operates.

What Is DOGE Doing to ‘Fix’ Government?

DOGE is essentially trying to run the U.S. government like a business—which is either brilliant or terrifying, depending on your perspective. Here are some of the key strategies they’ve rolled out so far:

1. Slashing Federal Jobs

Washington has millions of employees, and DOGE believes that many roles are redundant or unnecessary. So, they’ve started offering “deferred resignation” packages—essentially paying federal employees to leave in an effort to reduce the workforce without immediate mass layoffs.

Critics argue that these moves could lead to service delays and staffing shortages in essential areas, while supporters claim the government is bloated and overdue for a trim.

2. Closing Down Government Agencies

Some agencies are already on DOGE’s chopping block. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are among those being targeted for downsizing or elimination.

DOGE insists these cuts are necessary to reduce spending, but opponents worry that eliminating oversight and aid programs could have serious long-term consequences.

3. Reviewing and Canceling Government Contracts

The federal government spends billions on contracts with private companies—many of which, DOGE claims, are overpriced and inefficient. So, they’re aggressively reviewing and canceling contracts that they believe waste taxpayer money.

While this could save billions, it also risks disrupting projects, including infrastructure repairs, defense spending, and public health programs.

4. Selling Off Government Assets

From office buildings to old vehicles, DOGE is selling off surplus government property in an attempt to generate revenue and cut down on maintenance costs. Some of these sales have already brought in millions, though critics question whether these one-time cash infusions will actually fix long-term budget issues.

How Much Has DOGE Actually Saved?

According to DOGE, as of February 2025, they’ve already saved taxpayers $55 billion through cost-cutting measures. They’ve even launched an online “Wall of Receipts”—yes, that’s what they’re calling it—where the public can track reported savings and efficiency gains.

But not everyone is convinced. Critics and independent analysts argue that some of DOGE’s “savings” might not actually be real reductions—instead, they could be accounting tricks that push costs into future budgets.

A key question remains: Will these cuts actually help reduce the national debt, or will they just create new problems down the road?

Is DOGE Actually Working?

That depends on who you ask.

Supporters say:

• The government has been wasting money for decades and needs a serious overhaul.
• Trimming the fat will allow essential programs to function more effectively.
• The national debt is spiraling out of control, and bold action is needed.

Critics say:

• Rushing to slash budgets and fire employees could cripple essential services like healthcare, transportation, and national security.
• Eliminating watchdog agencies could lead to less oversight and more corruption.
• Many of the reported “savings” might just shift costs around rather than actually reducing spending.

Regardless of which side you’re on, there’s no doubt DOGE is shaking things up.

Elon Musk’s Role: How Involved Is He, Really?

Although Musk’s name is frequently tied to DOGE, he’s not actually running it. Instead, he serves as an advisor, offering insights on efficiency, automation, and cost-cutting.

His involvement has sparked plenty of conspiracy theories—some believe he’s using DOGE to gain influence over government contracts, while others think he’s just helping Trump for the fun of it.

Musk himself has been characteristically vague about his role, occasionally dropping cryptic tweets about “fixing the inefficiencies of bureaucracy” while insisting he has no formal position in DOGE.

What’s Next for DOGE?

With legal challenges mounting, government agencies pushing back, and mixed public reactions, the future of DOGE is still uncertain.

Some expect that Trump will push even harder to expand DOGE’s influence.
Others believe Congress and the courts may step in to limit its powers.
And some analysts predict DOGE may fizzle out if its cost-cutting efforts cause too much disruption.

One thing’s for sure: DOGE is one of the most ambitious, controversial, and unpredictable government experiments in recent history.

Final Thoughts: Revolution or Reckless Gamble?

DOGE is either a brilliant attempt to cut through Washington’s inefficiencies or a reckless cost-cutting spree that could backfire. Maybe a little bit of both.

For now, we’ll have to wait and see whether DOGE delivers on its promises or becomes just another government initiative that started with big ideas but failed to stick the landing.

One thing is certain—this is one government story that’s just getting started.