- President Trump highlighted DOGE’s impact on U.S. finances, celebrating over $1.2 billion in cuts achieved so far
- Elon Musk’s measures have included significant reductions, such as a $375 million cut from USAID and $45 million from the FAA
- Despite these efforts, DOGE is still far from reaching Musk’s ambitious $4 trillion target, but he remains optimistic about ramping up savings
President Donald Trump celebrated the effects of the new government department captained by Elon Musk, and the positive impact it had on American finances so far.
In a conversation broadcasted by Fox News, the President celebrated the success of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). So far, the department has been able to cut over $1 billion from the Federal expense.
DOGE has saved over $1.2 billion dollars so far, by canceling contracts and services from various federal departments and agencies. While it seems significant, the number is still miles away from Elon Musk’s targeted $4 trillion cuts.
Some of the cuts involve measures such as a $375 million cut from USAID, half a billion cut from the Office of Personnel Management. Over $45 million were cut from the FAA, leading to some backlash after last week’s plane crashing incidents.
Musk promises that the department will ramp up the numbers as time goes on. A couple of weeks ago the multi-billionaire hinted at using blockchain technology to aid DOGE in lessening the United States federal budget.
Trump Clarifies Musk’s Role
When asked if Elon Musk had full access to the treasury’s payment system—President Trump clarified that the DOGE head of command only had the power to analyze and recommend the termination of contracts or employees, as long as the White House agreed with it.
“He’s got access to only letting people go that he thinks are not good, and it’s only if we agree with him,” Trump said. “He’s a very talented guy from the standpoint of management and costs—and we put him in charge to see what he could do with certain groups and some of the numbers.”
Despite its quickly-gained notoriety in the media, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is not an official government department—which may pose limits to DOGE’s decision-making process.
A new government department would require new legislation to pass the House of Representatives and the Senate. Instead, DOGE functions more like an unofficial branch of the White House, advising the President on potential cost-saving initiatives.
