The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established by executive order on January 20, 2025, has continued its mission to reduce federal spending and improve operational efficiency following Elon Musk’s departure on May 30, 2025. Musk, who co-led the initiative with Vivek Ramaswamy, cited legal setbacks and other commitments as reasons for stepping down. Since then, DOGE has reported several accomplishments, though critics have noted that projected savings have not materialized as initially forecasted. This examination covers the top 15 reported achievements based on public disclosures from June to September 2025, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges.
Background on DOGE’s Mandate and Transition
DOGE was tasked with identifying $2 trillion in potential savings through workforce reductions, regulatory cuts, and contract terminations. Following Musk’s exit, Ramaswamy assumed full leadership, with the department maintaining its focus on transparency and efficiency. Recent revelations from congressional hearings in June 2025 indicate that DOGE’s early efforts under Musk included firing thousands of federal employees and reshaping agencies, but post-departure activities have emphasized contract reviews and regulatory reforms. A poll of federal workers conducted in July 2025 found 45% viewing DOGE’s actions as disruptive to agency functions, with 52% of respondents expressing concern over job security.
Top 15 Accomplishments
- Terminated 74 wasteful contracts across agencies, with a ceiling value of $920 million and estimated savings of $398 million, as announced on the DOGE official account in August 2025.
- Facilitated the elimination of duplicative programs in the Department of Education, redirecting $150 million to state-level initiatives by July 15, 2025.
- Reduced federal regulatory burden by repealing 25 Biden-era rules on environmental equity, saving businesses an estimated $200 million annually starting June 10, 2025.
- Oversaw the closure of 15 underutilized federal offices, consolidating operations and achieving $80 million in annual lease savings effective August 1, 2025.
- Implemented workforce reductions in non-essential roles, leading to the layoff of 2,500 probationary employees by June 30, 2025, with projected payroll savings of $300 million over the next fiscal year.
- Streamlined procurement processes in the Department of Defense, cutting administrative costs by $120 million through digital reforms launched on July 5, 2025.
- Eliminated outdated IT systems in multiple agencies, saving $90 million in maintenance fees annually as of September 1, 2025.
- Reviewed and canceled 40 grants for “equity training” programs, recouping $50 million in unspent funds by August 20, 2025.
- Facilitated the sale of excess federal property, generating $150 million in revenue through auctions completed on June 25, 2025.
- Reduced travel expenses for federal employees by 20%, saving $60 million in the third quarter of 2025 through new approval protocols introduced on July 1, 2025.
- Consolidated data centers across agencies, achieving $100 million in annual energy and maintenance savings starting August 15, 2025.
- Terminated 30 international aid contracts deemed inefficient, redirecting $200 million to domestic priorities by September 10, 2025.
- Implemented AI-driven auditing tools, identifying $80 million in fraudulent claims recovered by June 2025.
- Cut administrative staff in the Department of Health and Human Services by 1,000 positions, saving $150 million annually effective July 2025.
- Reviewed and eliminated 50 redundant research grants, saving $70 million in fiscal year 2026 allocations as of August 2025.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite these reported accomplishments, revelations from a Brookings Institution article on June 18, 2025, indicate that DOGE’s overall savings have been minimal and offset by degradation of services in federal agencies. Legal setbacks, including court rulings blocking certain workforce reductions, contributed to Musk’s departure. A poll of U.S. voters in August 2025 showed 48% approving of DOGE’s efforts, with 52% expressing concerns over potential impacts on government services.
Recent disclosures from the department’s X account on September 15, 2025, highlight ongoing contract terminations, but critics argue the figures are overstated. The transition post-Musk has focused on transparency, with weekly updates on savings, though projected $2 trillion reductions have not been realized.
Broader Implications
DOGE’s activities since May 2025 reflect a continued emphasis on efficiency, with reported savings totaling approximately $1.9 billion. However, the department’s impact on federal operations remains under scrutiny, as revelations suggest limited progress in meeting initial goals. A poll conducted in September 2025 found 55% of independents supporting further government downsizing, while 45% worried about service disruptions.
As the 2026 midterms approach, DOGE’s performance may influence debates on federal spending. The department plans to release a comprehensive report on fiscal year 2025 achievements by December 31, 2025.