Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is claiming massive government spending cuts, totaling over $72 billion according to one independent tracker. While the agency hasn’t made all the details easily accessible to the public, here’s what we know about some of the biggest cuts so far, verified by DOGE’s official X account:
Major Spending Cuts Announced by DOGE
-
$165 million: Cancelled 36 consulting contracts across various agencies, focusing on areas like “strategic communication” and “executive coaching.” One notable cut was a Department of Homeland Security contract for employee surveys and morale support.
-
$15 million: Three Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training grants axed.
-
$45 million: Cancellation of DEI scholarships in Burma.
-
$420 million: A wide range of contract cancellations, including DEI contracts and leases for empty buildings.
-
$250 million: 199 contracts across 35 agencies were terminated. These included contracts related to climate change initiatives and workshops.
-
$110 million: 78 contracts cancelled across various categories, including DEI, underperforming contracts, media, and consulting. One example was a groundwater exploration contract in Mauritania.
-
$30 million: Twelve consulting contracts cancelled within the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Department of Education. This includes a $23 million contract for digital modernization support.
-
$3 million: Twelve underutilized leases cancelled.
USAID Under the Microscope
Some of the most controversial cuts have hit the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Reports suggest a massive staff reduction, leaving only a fraction of its previous workforce. DOGE accuses USAID of wasteful spending, including:
-
$2 million: Funding for gender transition programs in Guatemala.
-
$6 million: Funding for tourism in Egypt.
-
$20 million: Funding for a new Sesame Street show in Iraq.
-
$4.5 million: Funding to combat disinformation in Kazakhstan.
It’s important to note that while these USAID expenditures are cited, the total dollar amount of cuts at the agency hasn’t been officially confirmed.
Other Significant Savings
DOGE also highlights savings from other agencies:
-
$4 billion annually: Savings at the National Institutes of Health by lowering the maximum indirect cost rate for research institutions.
-
$182 million: Savings at the Department of Health and Human Services by cutting “administrative expenses” not directly related to healthcare programs.
Federal Employee Buyout Program
Musk also played a role in creating a buyout program for federal workers. Early reports suggest tens of thousands of employees are expected to leave their positions in the coming months.
