With Elon Musk announcing plans to step away from government efficiency initiatives and return to the private sector, it’s crucial to assess the real achievements of Doge.
Despite some claims, Doge doesn’t perform audits. Instead, we employed AI technology to review transactions related to selected government systems. The goal was to uncover potential fraud, waste, and mismanagement in order to decrease federal expenditures. Initially, Musk aimed for savings of $2 trillion, which later adjusted to $1 trillion and then to $500 billion—still an optimistic target. Currently, Doge asserts it has realized around $160 billion in savings, although this figure might be significantly inflated based on available evidence.
Thus far, Doge’s financial outcomes have fallen short of expectations, but it has illuminated critical issues, such as waste in government operations and lingering problems like outdated systems and weak internal controls—many of which have been previously identified by government accountability offices and inspectors.
Doge has also utilized inventive research techniques through AI that could benefit public accountability organizations. While some savings have been realized, they remain modest given the large federal deficits we’re facing.
Moreover, the Doge team has discovered previously overlooked realities. For instance, misunderstandings about the COBOL programming expertise among their tech team led to some misrepresented findings. They learned that only Congress has the authority to cut spending, as the budget process establishes both caps and minimums for expenditures. Although contracts and grants can be revoked, any funds released must still be utilized unless Congress decides otherwise.
This realization prompted Doge to conclude that job freezes and limited expansions were the primary means to secure real savings. However, if these approaches do not align with institutional needs and the capabilities of individual workers, they risk becoming counterproductive.
Doge’s performance had notable strengths but was marked by overreach and inflated claims regarding its savings. The processes they adopted lacked transparency, which ultimately diminished public trust in government and exacerbated partisan divides in Congress. This is worrying, since meaningful spending cuts will necessitate public support, Congressional action, and bipartisan collaboration. It’s likely we’ll see a confrontation between the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Trump administration concerning how Congress-designated funds are being managed.
What lies ahead after Musk’s departure remains uncertain. However, if the unit persists, it will need leaders well-versed in governmental change who can foster bipartisan cooperation. Greater focus on targeting, transparency, and honesty regarding its objectives is necessary.
Beyond Doge’s current strategies, the federal government needs a comprehensive and transformative reevaluation of its operations—how they are executed, who is doing them, and whether success is measured by outcomes. It’s surprising that despite the Republic being around since 1789, the federal government lacks a forward-thinking, resource-based, outcome-oriented strategic plan. Consequently, America finds itself accumulating immense debt, navigating without a clear direction.
As federal leaders contemplate the future, reflecting on past lessons is vital. For instance, during the early 21st century, the GAO underwent significant transformations. It revamped its systems, enhanced productivity, and improved relationships with Congress and other federal entities, all while being recognized as one of the best workplaces in government.
The GAO’s successful transformation serves as a valuable model for other governmental branches but requires committed leadership to replicate. Now is the time to act.
David Walker is the former US Secretary.
