DOGE Savings Top $200 Billion, Almost $1,300 Per Taxpayer

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has recently terminated 123 contracts valued at $5.3 billion, claiming $4.2 billion in savings. These cancellations include contracts for a technical advisor in Nigeria, document formatting training, and staffing consulting. DOGE defended its savings methodology against media criticism, stating that contract ceiling values are relevant as they are typically fully utilized. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman publicly supported DOGE's work. To date, DOGE estimates it has saved the federal government $205 billion through various initiatives. Notable canceled grants include those for reproductive justice for black women and for "decolonizing the curriculum." However, a group of Democratic senators introduced the "Pick Up After Your DOGE Act" due to concerns about DOGE staff accessing sensitive federal data with insufficient training, posing risks to American data security. These senators allege DOGE staff might be creating vulnerabilities and sharing data with Big Tech. Conversely, the Trump administration saw a legal victory as the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a block on DOGE's access to federal data, arguing such access is necessary for DOGE to perform its functions. This ruling reversed a previous injunction that had restricted DOGE's data access based on concerns about compromising personal data security.