The “DOGE” Era Ends

The so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” or DOGE, which was created by executive order on President Trump’s first day in office, was officially dismantled on July 4 in accordance with the termination date set in the executive order. DOGE, previously led by Elon Musk, is responsible for much of the upheaval felt by federal agencies and the research community over the last year and half, including mass federal worker layoffs and grant terminations. The entity, which was originally tasked with finding $2 trillion in government savings, most recently claimed to have reduced federal spending by $215 billion. However, in a recent hearing before a House Appropriations Subcommittee, White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought stated that the Administration has no plans to compile a final report or assessment of DOGE’s activities. Further, the doge.gov website has been effectively shut down, no longer posting information on achieved savings.