The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has reported that its initiatives aimed at reducing waste within the federal government have resulted in approximately $115 billion in savings. These savings are attributed to several measures, including the cancellation of contract leases, the elimination of fraudulent payments, and the termination of certain grants.
Led by Elon Musk, DOGE has also implemented workforce reductions and program changes as part of its mandate to combat waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption. The agency estimates that the savings equate to an average of $714.29 per taxpayer, based on the number of individual income taxpayers from 2022. However, using the IRS's figures from 2023, which recorded 163.1 million tax returns, the average savings per taxpayer would adjust to approximately $705.09.
DOGE reports that the most significant savings came from the General Services Administration (GSA), followed by the Education Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Specific actions include the termination of over 5,350 contracts—yielding about $20 billion in savings—and the cancellation of nearly 7,500 grants, which accounted for approximately $17 billion in savings. Additionally, the agency has ended nearly 800 leases, saving around $500 million.
Despite these claims, independent verification of the reported savings has not been possible, as DOGE has not provided comprehensive accounting for its financial outcomes. The agency, established through an executive order by former President Donald Trump, is set to operate temporarily until July 4, 2026. Its work has garnered support from some Republican factions while facing criticism from others, particularly concerning its methods and access to federal systems.