Its ‘Wall of Receipts’ on its new website catalogues where the department has made cuts and how much those cuts are worth
Morgan Sweeney
The Center Square
The month-old Department of Government Efficiency led by billionaire Elon Musk has saved American taxpayers $55 billion, according to the latest update from the group.
Its ‘Wall of Receipts’ on its new website catalogues where the department has made cuts and how much those cuts are worth. The biggest line item on ‘the wall’ is one from the Department of Homeland Security for $8 billion. The U.S. Agency for International Development appears the most in DOGE’s records and so far, shows more than $6.5 billion slashed from its budget, according to the site, though it is still being updated. USAID and the Department of Education top DOGE’s list for ‘total contract savings’ for government agencies. The DHS is sixth.
On Feb. 14, with a nod to Valentine’s Day, DOGE posted a rhyming update on social media platform X about its work.
“Roses are red, violets are blue, Today, DOGE and 10 agencies made 586 wasteful contracts bid adieu!”
The post went on to specifically mention an $8.2 million U.S. Department of Agriculture contract for “environmental compliance services for the implementation of pilot projects developed under the partnership for climate smart commodities”.
The department has also defunded various diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the government. The savings it has found are “a combination of fraud detection/deletion, contract/lease cancellations, contract/lease renegotiations, asset sales, grant cancellations, workforce reductions, programmatic changes, and regulatory savings.”
DOGE, created by an executive order on President Donald Trump’s first day in office, is embroiled in controversy over whether it is surpassing the Constitutional authority of the executive branch. There is also concern over Elon Musk’s role as a “special government employee” and conflicts of interest that may arise.
For now, though, the cuts keep rolling in.
This report was first published by The Center Square.
Also read:
- With gratitude and love — Honoring all the mothers in our community
Clark County Today shares a heartfelt message honoring moms across the region on Mother’s Day. - Leslie Lewallen officially files for re-election to Camas City Council
Leslie Lewallen launches her re-election campaign for Camas City Council, highlighting key accomplishments and a continued focus on community priorities. - Letter: ‘Something is wrong when our vote means nothing’Bob Zak challenges the political handling of the I-5 Bridge project and urges voters to demand accountability.
- Letter: ‘This is a time for bold leadership, clear advocacy, and strong representation’Justin Forsman of Vancouver announces his candidacy for mayor and outlines a bold new platform focused on rights, infrastructure, and local governance.
- Opinion: Schools notifying parents about the kinds of care kids can decide on their own didn’t make itElizabeth New criticizes the removal of Amendment 1164 from current legislation, arguing it leaves parents uninformed about health care services accessed by their children through schools.
- Ridgefield School District invites community to help shape new Strategic PlanRidgefield School District is hosting three public sessions to gather community input for its new Strategic Plan.
- Julianne Lawrence is first paid director of Two Rivers Heritage MuseumJulianne Lawrence has been appointed the first paid director of the Two Rivers Heritage Museum following a strategic effort by the Camas-Washougal Historical Society.
Bloated I-5 Bridge Replacement project needs to scrutiny. $2 Billion to construct voter-rejected light rail for just 3200 passenger trips across the I-5 Bridge on buses? Bus ridership is declining over I-5, demand can be met by buses or vans. NO need for expensive light rail for so few riders. Fixed track Light rail far more costly than buses that share the road with other vehicles. See Over half Interstate Bridge proposal allocated to transit, pedestrians and bicyclists