Government Efficiency Commission: Progress and Concerns

The efficacy of Elon Musk's government efficiency commission remains uncertain, but its relentless progress is undeniable. The commission, known as DOGE, has compiled a comprehensive list of purported budget excisions.

Initial Savings Report

Within its first month, DOGE claims to have generated billions in "savings" by canceling contracts ranging from news subscriptions to multimillion-dollar training programs. Yahoo Finance analyzed 1,127 records on doge.gov as of February 19, providing insights into the commission's focus and targets.

Agency-Specific Cuts

The analysis revealed that DOGE has identified "savings" amounting to:

* $9.8 billion from the US Agency for International Development (USAID)
* $1.1 billion from the Department of Education
* $1 trillion from the Social Security Administration

Interpretation of "Savings"

The meaning of "savings" in DOGE's context is unclear. Most actions involve funds appropriated by Congress and allocated through contracts rescinded by the Trump administration. The largest USAID cut, for instance, involves a $665 million contract for professional support services, which DOGE counts as "savings" without specifying a timeframe.

Data Inconsistencies

Significant inaccuracies have emerged in DOGE's data. The New York Times reported a contract initially listed as $8 billion but corrected to $8 million, potentially affecting overall savings calculations.

Total Savings

The total value of line items on the DOGE website is far less than the claimed $55 billion. Posted contract actions amount to approximately $14 billion, potentially spread over multiple years. Real estate savings add up to $78.9 million, with limited details provided.

Human Capital Impact

DOGE's savings do not include layoffs, buyouts, or other workforce reductions, which could be substantial. Thousands of federal workers remain suspended or uncertain about their job status.

Economic Concerns

The shrinking federal workforce has sparked economic concerns, with Moody's Analytics predicting a recession in the Washington, D.C., area due to job losses.

Legal Challenges

Numerous lawsuits challenge Trump's executive actions, as Congress holds the constitutional authority for spending. Republican control of Congress remains a factor, but opposition could emerge as job losses impact constituents.

Assessing Savings

Whether contract cancellations and workforce reductions constitute "savings" or recklessness is debatable. Federal spending includes significant direct payments to citizens and defense spending.

Accountability

Trump's firing of inspectors general at agencies like USAID and Education raises concerns about oversight of DOGE's claims. The commission itself may not face scrutiny during Trump's second term.