Overview
- The initiative pledged a $1 trillion reduction before October, yet the Times reports total federal spending increased instead.
- DOGE claimed more than 29,000 cuts across contracts, grants and staffing across multiple agencies.
- The Times found the 13 largest savings claims were incorrect, citing double-counting, misattributed or expired cancellations, and contracts that continued.
- Experts flagged an accounting tactic that lowered contract ceiling values without affecting actual expenditures, rendering claimed savings largely illusory.
- Democrats.org detailed disruptions at the Department of Veterans Affairs, including canceled and partially reinstated contracts that affected studies and support staff.