The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has reportedly shut down five federal offices in Mississippi as part of its cost-cutting efforts. While former President Donald Trump tasked DOGE with reducing government spending, the accuracy of its reported savings has been repeatedly questioned.
At the same time, Trump has floated the idea of giving 20% of DOGE’s savings to taxpayers as stimulus checks. However, multiple fact-checks suggest that DOGE’s numbers may not add up.
Here’s everything we know so far about DOGE’s closures, workforce reductions, and the impact on Mississippi.
What Is DOGE?
On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order transforming the U.S. Digital Service into the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This newly branded agency was given the mission of eliminating government waste and reducing regulations.
Elon Musk, initially thought to be DOGE’s leader, was later revealed to be a “senior advisor to the president” rather than its official head. Recently, Amy Gleason was named as the acting administrator of DOGE amid legal challenges over Musk’s role.
Multiple Democratic state attorneys general have filed lawsuits, arguing that Musk’s access to government data and decision-making power may be unconstitutional. A judge, however, declined to block Musk from accessing sensitive federal records.
Do DOGE’s Cost-Savings Claims Add Up?
While DOGE has reported massive cost reductions, many of its savings numbers have been questioned.
Key Issues with DOGE’s Savings Reports:
- In February, DOGE claimed $55 billion in savings, but fact-checkers found major errors.
- The biggest mistake was an $8 billion typo, where an amount was listed as $8 billion instead of $8 million.
- Education Department cuts were originally reported at $881 million but later revised to $489 million—and fact-checkers estimate it was actually $278 million.
- As of February 28, 2025, DOGE claims to have saved $65 billion.
Despite these claims, fact-checkers have found that many of these savings have been quietly adjusted.
Which Federal Offices Have Closed in Mississippi?
DOGE’s latest report lists five federal office closures in Mississippi as of Friday, February 28, 2025.
Offices Reportedly Closed by DOGE:
1. U.S. Marshals Service – Oxford
- Annual Lease Cost: $9,228
- Total Estimated Savings: $16,149
- Size: 600 square feet
2. Natural Resources Conservation Service – Pearl
- Annual Lease Cost: $112,316
- Total Savings: Not specified
- Size: 7,161 square feet
3. Social Security Office – Grenada
- Annual Lease Cost: $255,140
- Total Estimated Savings: $127,570
- Size: 8,946 square feet
4. Social Security Office – Greenwood
- Annual Lease Cost: $263,435
- Total Estimated Savings: $504,916
- Size: 11,100 square feet
5. Social Security Office – Meridian
- Annual Lease Cost: $229,983
- Total Estimated Savings: $977,426
- Size: 14,000 square feet
However, these Social Security offices are still listed as active on the official SSA website, raising doubts about whether they have actually closed.
How Many Federal Employees Have Been Affected?
Trump’s administration has pushed for large-scale reductions in the federal workforce.
Key Workforce Reduction Figures:
- The U.S. had 2.3 million federal employees before Trump’s buyout program.
- 75,000 workers took an eight-month buyout to leave the federal workforce.
- The goal was a 10% workforce reduction, but this has not yet been fully achieved.
- Additional furloughs and layoffs may still be coming.
Mississippi-Specific Federal Workforce Data:
- As of March 2024, Mississippi had 19,560 federal civilian employees.
- This does not include military personnel or federal contractors.
- The exact number of Mississippi workers affected by layoffs or buyouts remains unknown.
How Many Federal and Social Security Offices Are in Mississippi?
Social Security Offices:
Mississippi has 23 Social Security offices, including locations in:
- Jackson, Tupelo, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Vicksburg, and Natchez.
- The recent DOGE list suggests some may have been closed, but the SSA still lists them as active.
Federal Buildings:
The U.S. General Services Administration counts 10 major federal buildings in Mississippi, including:
- Thad Cochran U.S. Courthouse (Jackson)
- Dan M. Russell Jr. U.S. Courthouse (Gulfport)
- William M. Colmer Federal Building (Hattiesburg)
- U.S. Courthouses in Oxford and Natchez
Post Offices:
- The U.S. Postal Service operates 613 post offices across Mississippi.
- Over 210 of them are listed as discontinued.
