D.O.G.E. Saves U.S. Taxpayers $84B in First Weeks of Trump’s Presidency, But Critics Slam Cost-Cutting Moves

In the first few weeks of President Donald Trump’s administration, the new Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.) has reportedly saved U.S. taxpayers an estimated $84 billion. That breaks down to about $4 billion each day, a number some media outlets have minimized. Yet, D.O.G.E. has drawn scrutiny over its spending practices and internal operations.

Elon Musk’s task force aimed at cutting federal spending has seen its budget grow since its inception. Financial filings reveal that the department’s allocation jumped from $6.75 million on January 30 to $14.4 million by February 8, indicating a boost in operational funding.

Related: FEMA Misused $59 Million—Elon Musk’s D.O.G.E. Demands Clawback

Although the aggressive cost-cutting measures aimed at reducing waste, D.O.G.E. has attracted criticism for its approach. Task force statements claim the savings resulted from halting unnecessary hiring, scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and ending improper payments to foreign organizations.

Critics Demand Spending Transparency

While D.O.G.E. has outlined several successful initiatives, it has also faced pushback from individuals such as entrepreneur Mark Cuban. Cuban first lauded the efforts, claiming that the task force exposed wasteful government spending.

However, his opinion shifted when reports surfaced that D.O.G.E. had spent nearly $7 million in taxpayer funds in one week. Cuban went public, urging the task force to “hide nothing” if its actions were proper.

Additionally, reports indicate that some of Musk’s team members, including unpaid engineers, collaborate with Trump allies within the task force. This mix of political ties raises further questions about the task force’s neutrality and effectiveness.

Claims of Misuse and Inefficiency

Musk has often lashed out at federal agencies for inefficiency, arguing that talented employees face obstacles from administrative management. He noted that many workers in agencies such as the Treasury Department find themselves blocked from implementing cost-saving reforms by bureaucratic resistance.

Related: Trump’s D.O.G.E. Initiative Cuts DEI Spending, Saves Over $1 Billion

In addition, D.O.G.E. has questioned the use of taxpayer funds in certain cases, including a report that FEMA allocated $59 million to luxury hotels in New York City to house migrants. Musk denounced this expense as “gross insubordination,” although FEMA has not responded.