The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has made bold claims about saving American taxpayers $65 billion in just over a month through program cuts, lease terminations, contract renegotiations, and workforce reductions. However, a closer look at DOGE’s “Wall of Receipts” reveals a significant discrepancy in reported savings.
Are DOGE’s Savings Overstated?
DOGE recently posted 2,300 receipts on its website, detailing specific cost-cutting measures. But upon review, the total savings from these receipts only amount to $9.6 billion—a far cry from the $65 billion DOGE has claimed.
Why the Discrepancy?
DOGE attributes the difference to a data lag, explaining that the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) takes time to process and reflect finalized figures.
“FPDS posting of final termination notices can have up to a one-month lag. There may be discrepancies between FPDS and the posted numbers, the latter of which originate directly from agency contracting officials,” DOGE states on its website.
While data lag is a valid concern, the gap between $9.6 billion and $65 billion is raising questions about DOGE’s transparency and accuracy in reporting savings.
How Much of an Impact Does DOGE’s Cost-Cutting Have?
Even if DOGE’s $65 billion savings figure is accurate, its impact on the national debt is minimal.
- As of February 24, 2025, the U.S. federal debt stood at $36.22 trillion, according to the U.S. Treasury.
- The $65 billion in savings accounts for only 0.18% of the total debt.
- Even at the $9.6 billion figure, the impact is just 0.026% of the national debt.
The Bigger Picture: A National Debt Crisis
The U.S. national debt has skyrocketed over the decades, with some of the largest increases occurring in response to major events:
Pre-1985: The U.S. had never surpassed $5 trillion in debt.
1985–2005: Debt surged by 137%.
2005–2025: Debt increased by 181%, reaching $36 trillion.
2019–2021: Government spending jumped by 50%, largely due to:
- Tax cuts
- Stimulus checks
- Increased federal spending
- Revenue losses from job reductions
The U.S. has been in debt since its founding, owing $75 million from the Revolutionary War by 1791. Recent spikes have been driven by wars, economic crises, and pandemic-related spending.
DOGE’s Future: Will These Cuts Matter?
DOGE has only been operational for just over a month, so the long-term impact of its cost-cutting measures remains to be seen.
- If DOGE continues at its reported pace, it could save hundreds of billions over time.
- However, critics argue that small-scale budget cuts are not enough to address a $36 trillion debt.
- Transparency concerns regarding the accuracy of reported savings may weaken public confidence in DOGE’s mission.
