Department of Government Efficiency
Coverage of Department of Government Efficiency in the Nexus archive.
- DOGE officially shuts down
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) ceased operations on July 4 after leading job and funding cuts across the federal government. The shutdown was announced via a social media post quoting former President Teddy Roosevelt.
- The true impact of the Trump administration’s efforts to gut the federal government may never be known
The Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is dissolving without an official report detailing its impact, despite claims of budget reductions and workforce changes. OMB Director Russell Vought stated no formal documentation of DOGE's accomplishments will be published, while critics question the accuracy of reported $215 billion in savings and the effects of over 260,000 federal employee departures.
- Africa's aid dependency was never Washington's to fix
The dismantling of USAID has sparked debate over its role in fostering aid dependency in Africa and its humanitarian consequences. Critics highlight preventable deaths linked to aid cuts, while supporters argue foreign assistance has failed to advance American interests. The article emphasizes structural issues in African economies, where resource wealth often fails to translate into local development, and calls for stronger domestic governance.
- Touring Trump’s Washington: How the president is putting his imprint on the nation’s capital
President Donald Trump has significantly altered Washington, D.C., through the deployment of armed National Guard troops and the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which led to the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and cuts to foreign aid funding. These changes reflect Trump's ongoing efforts to reshape the capital's infrastructure and federal operations.
- Touring Trump's Washington: How the president is putting his imprint on the nation's capital
President Donald Trump has significantly altered Washington, D.C., through projects like the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which led to the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and an ongoing National Guard deployment since August 2025 under an emergency order. These changes include renaming buildings, construction projects, and armed military presence.
- Touring Trump's Washington: How the president is putting his imprint on the nation's capital
President Donald Trump has significantly altered Washington, D.C., through military deployments and reorganization of federal agencies. The National Guard has been deployed indefinitely since August 2025 to combat crime, while the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has repurposed buildings, including the former USAID headquarters, leading to mass job cuts and a $60 billion reduction in foreign aid funding.
- IRS did better than expected in tax season after slashing staff, except on the phone, watchdog says
The IRS performed better than expected in processing tax refunds during the 2026 tax season despite significant staff reductions, but struggled with answering phone calls, particularly for identity theft victims. A watchdog report highlighted that 59% of major account calls were answered, while compliance and identity theft lines had 34% and 19% answer rates, respectively, with identity theft cases taking nearly two years to resolve.
- IRS did better than expected in tax season after slashing staff, except on the phone, watchdog says
The IRS performed better than expected in processing refunds during the 2026 tax season despite significant staff reductions but struggled with phone support, particularly for identity theft victims. The IRS reduced its workforce from 102,000 to 74,000 employees, and only 19% of calls to identity theft lines were answered, with victims waiting nearly two years for assistance.
- IRS did better than expected in tax season after slashing staff, except on the phone, watchdog says
The IRS performed better than expected in processing tax refunds during the 2026 tax season despite significant workforce reductions, but struggled with phone service and long wait times for identity theft victims. A watchdog report highlighted 59% of major account calls were answered, while compliance and identity theft lines had 34% and 19% answer rates, respectively. Over 500,000 identity theft victims face average resolution times of 20 months.
- Ro Khanna challenges Elon Musk to televised debate after online DOGE battle
Rep. Ro Khanna has challenged Elon Musk to a televised debate following an online conflict involving DOGE. Khanna is critical of the Department of Government Efficiency led by Musk.
- Elon Musk 'needs to answer' for 4.5 million kids 'sentenced to death' over DOGE cuts, Ro Khanna argues
Rep. Ro Khanna accused Elon Musk of potentially causing the deaths of 4.5 million children worldwide through spending cuts tied to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Khanna called for Musk to be investigated and subpoenaed, while also promoting a wealth tax proposal targeting billionaires. Host Jennifer Welch supported the criticism, linking Musk's actions to harm against the poorest populations.
- The Reflecting Pool is now 'American flag blue.' See how Trump has changed Washington, DC, during his second term.
President Donald Trump has implemented various renovations in Washington, DC, during his second term, including the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's 'American flag blue' renovation, a UFC fighting ring on the White House South Lawn, and the shutdown of USAID through the Department of Government Efficiency. These projects, such as a proposed 250-foot arch and a $400 million White House ballroom, aim to commemorate events and enhance government efficiency, though some face legal challenges.
- The world’s first trillionaire is a killer
Elon Musk's SpaceX IPO may make him the first trillionaire. The article claims his actions caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and that the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) dismantled the US Agency for International Development, which supported global public health.
- Rare-Earth Developer Aclara Seeks US Backing for Chilean Project
Rare-earth developer Aclara is seeking U.S. backing for its Chilean project. Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, and U.S. President Doanld Trump announced plans to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
- Amid Ebola, Hantavirus Outbreaks, Democrats Decry Trump’s Health Cuts
The Trump administration's cuts to federal health agencies have drawn criticism from Democrats amid outbreaks of hantavirus on a cruise ship and Ebola in Africa. Critics argue the U.S. public health infrastructure is under strain due to job and funding reductions, with the FDA and CDC experiencing leadership vacancies and layoffs. The White House faces pressure to reverse cuts and rejoin the World Health Organization.
- Mamdani’s ‘COGE’ rollout gets DOGE’s attention after critics say he ripped off Elon Musk
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) to improve government efficiency for working people. Critics compared the initiative to President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), while Jeff Bezos praised the concept and called for tax relief. Political figures like Marsha Blackburn and Matt Van Swol noted partisan reactions to efficiency efforts.
- It’s not DOGE, it’s COGE: Mamdani introduces commission to make NYC more effective
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the creation of the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE), which was compared to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) promoted by President Trump and Elon Musk.
- Doge slashing of humanities grants in 2025 ruled biased and unconstitutional
A US judge ruled that the Trump administration's termination of hundreds of humanities grants in 2025 was unconstitutional and discriminatory. The grants, totaling over $100m, were awarded to scholars, writers, and research institutions. The decision halted the cost-cutting drive led by Elon Musk at the Department of Government Efficiency.
- DOGE used ChatGPT in a way that was both dumb and illegal, judge rules
A US District Judge ruled that the Department of Government Efficiency's cancellation of over $100 million in grants was unconstitutional. The decision stems from a 2025 lawsuit filed by humanities groups against the department's use of ChatGPT to determine grant eligibility based on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The judge found that the department used protected characteristics to disqualify grants.
- Judge says DOGE grant terminations are unlawful and 'troubling'
A judge ruled that the Department of Government Efficiency's terminations of federal grants were unlawful and troubling, citing the use of race, gender, and protected characteristics. The decision criticized Elon Musk's department for mass terminations. The judge's ruling highlights concerns over the department's actions.
- Dems’ ‘No Kings’ rhetoric backfires as critics lambaste ‘confusing’ reaction to actual king
Democratic lawmakers who criticized President Trump as a 'king' faced backlash for applauding King Charles III during his congressional address, exposing perceived hypocrisy. The 'No Kings' movement, targeting Trump's executive actions and 2025 military parade, now contrasts with Democrats' reception of the British monarch. Critics on social media and conservative commentators mocked the Democrats' reaction as contradictory.
- Rep. Delia Ramirez takes over as top House cybersecurity Dem
Rep. Delia Ramirez has become the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security cybersecurity subcommittee, succeeding Eric Swalwell after his resignation. She criticizes both Trump and Biden administrations for cybersecurity lapses and co-sponsored legislation to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce.
- The Trump Administration Aims to Penalize Disabled Adults Who Live With Their Families
The Trump administration plans to reduce Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for disabled adults living with family members, potentially cutting payments by up to a third. The proposed rule would deduct the value of a disabled individual’s bedroom from their SSI allotment, even if their family is poor enough to qualify for food stamps. This policy targets individuals like Shy’tyra Burton, a 22-year-old with severe disabilities who relies on SSI and lives with her father.
- A year after DOGE, former federal employees are still looking for work
A year after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was established, over 300,000 federal jobs have been eliminated, leaving former employees still seeking employment. Elon Musk, a key figure in the initiative, has driven efforts to reduce federal workforce numbers.