DOGE's Cost-Cutting Measures Cost Taxpayers $135 Billion

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the leadership of billionaire Elon Musk, has faced intense scrutiny for its aggressive cost-cutting measures. Initially, DOGE asserted that it had saved $160 billion through mass federal workforce reductions. However, an independent analysis has revealed that these cuts have actually cost taxpayers $135 billion this fiscal year alone. This figure does not account for the expenses related to defending multiple lawsuits challenging DOGE's actions or the impact of estimated lost tax revenue.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been particularly hard hit by these cuts. The departure of 22,000 employees from the IRS, driven by DOGE's initiatives, is projected to result in an $8.5 billion loss in revenue by 2026. This loss is part of a broader $500 billion reduction in IRS tax revenue collection, which far outweighs the savings DOGE claims to have achieved. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has also been impacted, with plans to reduce its workforce from 57,000 to 50,000, which could lead to significant operational challenges.

The manner in which DOGE implemented these cuts has been widely criticized. Many of the fired workers had to be rehired at full pay, including those responsible for critical tasks such as safeguarding nuclear weapons, combating bird flu, and fighting HIV at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This rehiring process has resulted in massive taxpayer bills for no work, further exacerbating the financial burden.

Experts have pointed out that the way DOGE went about mass-firing workers and slashing budgets was counterproductive. Former public service worker Jeri Buchholz, who oversaw decades of hiring and firing at federal agencies, noted that while DOGE could achieve its goals, the methods used were ineffective. "They can do all the things they are currently doing, but they can’t do them the way they’re doing them," Buchholz stated. "They can either start over and do it right, or they can be in court for forever."

The financial and operational impact of DOGE's actions has led to growing frustration among Cabinet leaders and White House officials. Some personnel have started referring to Musk as "Crazy Uncle Elon," highlighting his unpredictable and abrasive behavior. This has put his competence as a "special government employee" under scrutiny, with taxpayers ultimately bearing the cost of his decisions.

In summary, while DOGE's initial claims of $160 billion in savings may seem impressive, the actual cost to taxpayers is significantly higher. The $135 billion cost, combined with the loss of critical revenue and the operational challenges faced by federal agencies, paints a picture of a program that has failed to deliver on its promises. The counterproductive methods used by DOGE have not only resulted in financial waste but also in immense and needless pain and suffering for the American public.