DOGE is Cutting America

Jacob Francy, '26

Since the beginning of Donald Trump's second term, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which isn't officially a federal department yet, has begun the initiative to "overhaul" the federal government. Headed by billionaire Elon Musk, who has been serving as a senior advisor to the president, DOGE has used aggressive measures to reduce federal spending and restructure multiple agencies.

DOGE's mission has been to "identify and eliminate what it deems as inefficiencies within the federal government." This has included attempts to dismantle vital agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and efforts to reduce the federal workforce through buyouts and terminations. USAID is crucial in advancing U.S. foreign policy interests by “promoting global stability,” helping with humanitarian crises, and supporting vulnerable economies all around the world. Its programs simply help prevent conflict and reduce poverty. The CFPB serves as a defender for Americans by regulating financial institutions, enforcing consumer protection laws, and especially holding banks accountable for “predatory practices.” Weakening or removing these agencies threatens to undermine both global development efforts and the fairness of the U.S. economy.

One of DOGE's most controversial actions has been its campaign to put an end to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies. This initiative has led to the termination of all DEI-related positions and the removal of related materials and websites from government platforms. This administration has made it clear that they will reverse the merit-based hiring of DEI and, instead, hire and keep a majority of white employees. 

Financially, DOGE initially projected $2 trillion in taxpayer savings. However, this estimate was later revised down to $150 billion after multiple news outlets and citizens reported errors and financial corrections on DOGE.gov. The national deficit is expected to greatly exceed Biden’s with Trump’s tax plan which includes massive tax breaks for the top income earners.

Elon Musk, after three months of leading DOGE, announced his decision to step back from his role to focus more on his major companies, like Tesla, which had an income drop of 73%. He stated that his primary work with DOGE was "complete," even though he would continue to contribute a few days each week as needed.

Ultimately, DOGE represents a flawed idea of how the government should act- One that prioritizes corporate interests and power over the functions of a democratic government is not what America is about. By targeting agencies that serve humanitarian needs and everyday American consumers, and eliminating diversity and inclusion efforts, DOGE is removing the very institutions meant to protect the most vulnerable. Its legacy will be the dismantling of the U.S. government rather than improving it.