Fact Check: "DOGE cuts claim $160 billion saved, but spending actually rose by $156 billion."
What We Know
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) claims to have saved approximately $160 billion by targeting wasteful government spending. However, a recent analysis from the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service (PSP) estimates that the actions taken by DOGE could cost taxpayers around $135 billion this fiscal year due to factors such as paid leave for federal employees and lost productivity (CBS News).
Furthermore, according to the Penn Wharton Budget Model, total federal spending increased by 6.3%, or $156 billion, during the first four months of 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year (Politico). This suggests that despite the claimed savings, overall government spending has risen significantly.
Analysis
The claim that DOGE has saved $160 billion is based on their public reporting, which includes a "wall of receipts" detailing these savings (DOGE). However, the credibility of these savings has been called into question. A CBS News investigation found that some of the reported savings may have been overstated (CBS News).
The PSP's analysis provides a critical perspective on the costs associated with DOGE's cuts, highlighting that the savings claimed do not account for the broader economic impacts, including potential losses in tax revenue due to IRS staff reductions (CBS News).
Moreover, the increase in federal spending, as reported by the Penn Wharton Budget Model, indicates that while DOGE may have implemented cuts, the overall financial impact has not resulted in net savings for taxpayers (Politico). This discrepancy raises questions about the effectiveness and efficiency of DOGE's initiatives.
The reliability of the sources varies; while the PSP and Penn Wharton Budget Model are respected nonpartisan organizations, DOGE's self-reported savings may be subject to bias and lack independent verification.
Conclusion
The claim that DOGE has saved $160 billion while spending has risen by $156 billion is Partially True. While DOGE does report significant savings, these figures are contested and may not reflect the true financial impact when considering associated costs and the overall increase in federal spending. The evidence suggests that the claimed savings do not offset the rising expenditures, leading to a net negative impact on taxpayers.
