With the backing of President Donald Trump, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has begun a mission to eliminate waste and fraud in the U.S. federal government.
On the surface, this sounds like a necessary and noble cause—after all, the government loses billions every year due to inefficiency and fraud. However, mounting evidence suggests that DOGE might be pursuing a different, more concerning agenda.
What Is Project 2025?
Before the 2024 U.S. elections, Project 2025 emerged as a 900-page conservative strategy to reshape the U.S. government within the first six months of Trump’s second term. Although Trump distanced himself from the plan during his campaign due to its unpopular ideas, it seems the project has become a guiding force now that he’s back in office.
Interestingly, many of the individuals who helped draft Project 2025 now hold key positions in the Trump administration, raising concerns about whether this plan is secretly influencing federal policy.
The Real Motives Behind DOGE’s Actions?
At first glance, Musk’s efforts through DOGE to cut unnecessary spending appear justified. A 2023 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlighted that fraud and improper payments cost the government anywhere from $233 billion to $521 billion annually.
However, critics argue that the real focus of DOGE’s cost-cutting isn’t about saving taxpayer money. Instead, they believe it’s an attempt to dismantle federal agencies that conservatives view as supporting liberal causes.
Former Republican officials like Douglas Holtz-Eakin and Bill Hoagland have voiced concerns that the targeted agencies represent only a small fraction of the massive $7 trillion federal budget but have been singled out for ideological reasons rather than financial savings.
Which Federal Agencies Are Being Targeted?
A closer look reveals that many of the agencies Musk’s DOGE has focused on align with those highlighted in Project 2025. Some of the agencies on the chopping block include:
- Department of Education – Accused by conservatives of pushing “woke” policies, such as supporting transgender athletes in girls’ sports.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Criticized for allegedly exaggerating climate change risks.
- U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) – Previously bipartisan, now under attack for sending aid to countries the Trump administration doesn’t consider allies.
Layoffs have also hit agencies critical to public health and safety:
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – Thousands of employees dismissed during a time of rising flu cases and a looming bird flu threat.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Hundreds of air traffic control workers laid off following a deadly mid-air collision over Washington, D.C.
- National Nuclear Security Administration – More than 300 staffers responsible for maintaining nuclear security were fired.
- National Forest Service – A pause in funding and layoffs affecting wildfire prevention and management.
The Hidden Danger: Public Safety at Risk
The large-scale dismissals raise serious concerns about how these cuts could affect everyday Americans. For instance, reducing the workforce at the CDC during potential disease outbreaks or cutting jobs in the FAA after a tragic plane crash could severely compromise public health and safety.
These job cuts aren’t just about saving money—they reflect a deeper political motive driven by Project 2025’s goal of eradicating what conservatives see as liberal influences in government agencies.
The Numbers Don’t Add Up
Despite the significant attention DOGE has received, the financial savings achieved so far have been underwhelming. Musk’s efforts have only saved about $16 billion—a mere 0.22% of the overall federal budget. This figure falls far short of the original aim of saving $1 to $2 trillion.
