Yeliz Akmaca 
U.S. President Donald Trump’s Government Efficiency Department (DOGE), launched to reduce the size of government, was officially disbanded eight months before its scheduled end. The project, supported by Elon Musk, closed quietly without an official announcement, raising questions about how effectively Trump’s downsizing agenda translated into practice.
What DOGE Was and Why It Ended
DOGE launched at the start of Trump’s second term as a reform tool to shrink federal agencies, cut budgets, and realign priorities. The team initially froze hiring, reduced budgets in some units, and carried out restructuring efforts. However, DOGE failed to provide a detailed, publicly auditable financial report over time. Officials claimed the project saved tens of billions of dollars, but independent experts could not verify these numbers. The White House spokesperson emphasized that the president had full authority to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.
OPM Director Scott Kupor confirmed, “It’s gone,” signaling that DOGE no longer exists. The department lifted the nationwide hiring freeze, and federal staff reduction targets no longer apply, quietly rolling back the initiative that initially aimed to shrink the government.
Elon Musk and DOGE’s Public Influence
Elon Musk was a prominent figure in DOGE’s early days. He frequently promoted the project on social media and drew attention at a Maryland conference by saying, “This is our saw for bureaucracy.” However, following a public dispute with Trump in May, Musk distanced himself from Washington.
Despite this, Trump and his team continue to pursue DOGE’s core principles through other channels. For instance, the White House Budget Office tasked DOGE’s representative at the Department of Housing and Urban Development with developing AI tools to review and streamline regulations. Musk also recently appeared at a White House dinner for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, indicating that his political connections remain partially intact.
Critical Assessment: How Real Was Trump’s “Downsizing” Agenda?
DOGE’s formal closure raises questions about the practical impact of Trump’s government downsizing claims. Critics argue that the project started with grand promises but failed to deliver measurable savings.
Even though the project ended, several former DOGE managers have continued roles within the OPM and other agencies, suggesting that the DOGE mindset has not entirely disappeared. Furthermore, similar efficiency-focused initiatives continue to emerge at the state level in the U.S.
The End of Trump’s Program
The quiet shutdown of DOGE highlights the gap between Trump’s downsizing rhetoric and the tangible results on the ground. While the initiative initially grabbed headlines, it did not provide verifiable savings or clear reform outcomes. On the other hand, former DOGE personnel have transitioned to new roles, indirectly continuing the project’s vision.
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