The recent reflections of Elon Musk on his time with the Trump administration have sparked interest in the ongoing efforts to reform federal spending. In a podcast conversation with Katie Miller, Musk referred to his previous role as leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as “a little bit successful,” but affirmed he would not reprise the role.
Musk’s tenure with DOGE ended in May following legal challenges and disagreements with Trump’s cabinet. Despite his departure, the Trump administration continues to focus on reducing what it considers wasteful federal expenditure, a central tenet of its agenda to manage the national deficit.
Shrinking the Federal Workforce
Efforts to downsize the federal workforce saw agencies rehiring employees after initial layoffs by DOGE. While the Office of Management and Budget sought further reductions during the federal government shutdown, the total number of employees exiting the government by the end of 2025 is estimated at 317,000, according to the Office of Personnel Management.
Key agencies, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, have faced significant cutbacks. However, despite efforts to reduce contracts and leases, federal spending continues to exceed revenue.
Prioritizing Budget Cuts
The Trump administration has targeted funding cuts towards what it terms “Democrat priorities,” including transportation and energy grants. Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, remains committed to reducing the federal government’s size, advocating for reductions-in-force at several agencies during the shutdown, although these efforts faced legal blockades.
Data Consolidation for Policy Objectives
Despite legal challenges, DOGE’s drive to consolidate sensitive personal data across federal agencies has persisted. This data has been instrumental in the administration’s immigration enforcement strategies, though some efforts have mistakenly flagged U.S. citizens, as reported by NPR.
Ongoing Government Restructuring
While DOGE’s prominence has waned since Musk’s departure, its initiatives continue under the leadership of former DOGE officials now embedded within various federal agencies. The creation of the National Design Studio, as per a recent executive order, aims to enhance the digital infrastructure of government services.
Joe Gebbia, a cofounder of Airbnb and associate of Musk, leads the studio’s efforts, managing projects like the “Trump Accounts” website and initiatives such as the Energy Department’s “Genesis Mission” and the US Tech Force.
Persistent Federal Spending Challenges
Despite DOGE’s original goal to address national debt, which increased by over $2.2 trillion in the fiscal year ending September 2025, efforts remain focused on cutting wasteful spending. The national debt is expected to rise by an additional $3 trillion due to recent legislative measures favoring Trump’s fiscal priorities.
According to the Monthly Treasury Statement, the government continues to spend more than it earns, with major expenditures on social programs like Social Security and Medicare constituting the majority of federal spending.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle emphasized the administration’s commitment to eliminating inefficiencies, stating, “President Trump pledged to cut the waste, fraud, and abuse in our bloated government, and the Administration is committed to delivering on this pledge for the American people.” However, the administration has not directly addressed concerns regarding deficit spending or the increasing national debt.
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