What's Up Doge?

Insights from @DOGE on X for Those Feeling Fearful and Uncertain

On January 20, 2025, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) kicked off under Elon Musk’s leadership, sparked by an executive order from President Trump. If you’re a progressive-leaning person—man or woman, young or old—watching this unfold, it might feel like the ground is shifting beneath you. Maybe you’re scared that Musk’s push to slash government waste will gut the social programs, diversity efforts, and protections you hold dear. Maybe you’re even wondering if it’s time to leave the country. You’re not alone in those fears, and this article is here to help. We’ll walk through DOGE’s first week, as shared on @DOGE’s X account, breaking down what’s happened, why it’s hitting you hard, and how you can find some calm amidst the storm.

January 20, 2025 – Day 1: DOGE Launches with a Jolt

• What Happened: Trump signed an order creating DOGE, handing Elon Musk the reins to trim federal inefficiencies, in the role of “Tech Support.”
• Why You’re Worried: A billionaire reshaping government can feel like a threat to the safety nets—healthcare, education, support—you hold dear. It’s okay to feel rattled by that.

January 21, 2025 – Day 2: DOGE Spotlights Penny Costs

• What Happened: DOGE shared a striking update on X about penny production costs at the US Mint, spotlighting government spending. Here’s the exact post from @DOGE: “The penny costs over 3 cents to make and cost US taxpayers over $179 million in FY2023. The Mint produced over 4.5 billion pennies in FY2023, around 40% of the 11.4 billion coins for circulation produced. Penny (or 3 cents!) for your thoughts. Sources: https://jmbullion.com/investing-guide/numismatics/cost-of-producing-a-penny/ https://coinnews.net/2024/01/19/u-s-mint-produces-11-38-billion-coins-for-circulation-in-2023-lowest-since-2012/“
• Why It Matters: You care about how your money’s spent, and this @DOGE post pulls back the curtain on the penny’s surprising cost—over $179 million last year. Knowing these details might spark ideas on what could be done differently, keeping you in the loop as DOGE digs into inefficiencies.

January 22, 2025 – Day 3: DOGE Targets Agency Spending

• What Happened: DOGE began scrutinizing federal spending, with teams entering major agencies like Treasury and Education to spot inefficiencies, and flagged a specific example on X. Here’s the exact post from @DOGE: “$784 MILLION in taxpayer dollars for a new U.S. embassy in South Sudan, initiated in 2023. This is not a reasonable expenditure.”
• Why You’re Worried: That $784 million embassy price tag might seem extravagant, and DOGE’s push to cut it could signal broader slashes—possibly hitting agencies like Education or Treasury, which fund student aid and welfare you value. It’s natural to wonder if essentials are next; we’re keeping tabs on it too.

January 23, 2025 – Day 4: Contracts Start Getting Cut

• What Happened: DOGE canceled some federal contracts, keeping details slim for now.
• Why You’re Worried: Not knowing what’s gone can make you imagine the worst —maybe something your community needs. Uncertainty is tough.

January 24, 2025 – Day 5: $420 Million Slashed, DEI Targeted

• What Happened: DOGE axed $420 million in spending within its first 80 hours, targeting contracts and leases, with a clear emphasis on DEI initiatives. Here’s the exact post from @DOGE: “In the first 80 hours, approx $420M of current/impending contracts have been cancelled. 2 leases have also been cancelled. Initial focus is mainly on DEI contracts and unoccupied buildings.”
• Why You’re Worried: DEI cuts might sting—their stated goals are fairness and inclusion, these might be core to your values. If that’s got you eyeing the exit, we understand why it hurts.

January 25, 2025 – Day 6: The Review Keeps Going

• What Happened: DOGE continued its sweep, likely scoping out more cuts.
• Why You’re Worried: The pace is relentless—what’s next, climate funding? Healthcare? It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the “what ifs.” Remember, look not at the media, as their reports can be very biased, look directly to the reports on X by the @DOGE account to see what is really happening.

What Happened: DOGE’s first week closed with a flurry of activity, announcing more savings, a hiring drive, and tweaks to contract language, all detailed in X posts. Here are the exact posts from @DOGE:

January 26, 2025 – Day 7: DOGE Wraps Week One With Cuts and Calls

• Jan 26, 3:42 pm: “Another $145M in federal savings due to cancellations of 16 DEIA contracts by the Departments of Labor, Transportation, Agriculture, Commerce, HHS, and Treasury. Thanks to those departments for their pro-active and rapid work.”
• Jan 26, 4:00 pm: “The DOGE Team is looking for world-class talent to work long hours identifying/eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. These are full-time, salaried positions for software engineers, InfoSec engineers, financial analysts, HR professionals, and, in general, all competent/caring people. Apply here! http://join.doge.gov” and “Example of changing Transaction Description of federal contract from “DEIA Activities” to “Workforce Management” Source: https://usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_75N98023C00021_7529_-NONE-_-NONE-“
• Jan 26, 8:11 pm: “Example of changing Transaction Description of federal contract from “DEIA Activities” to “Workforce Management” Source: https://usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_75N98023C00021_7529_-NONE-_-NONE-” [with a picture of a chart]

Why You’re Worried: The speed—$145 million more in DEIA cuts across six key departments—might feel like a bulldozer hitting diversity efforts you value. Add a hiring call for a team to dig deeper into “waste” and re-labeling DEIA as “Workforce Management,” and it could seem like the America you care about is shifting fast. That’s a real unease, and you’ve got company in facing it.

---

Finding Your Footing—What You Can Do

If DOGE’s whirlwind start has you scared that Musk’s cuts will dismantle the things that make this country home—like support for the vulnerable or efforts toward equality—you’re not alone. The DEI hits, the contract cancellations, the sheer speed—it’s enough to make anyone jittery, maybe even enough to google “travel out of the USA” options. We see you, and it’s okay to feel that way.

Here’s how you can steady yourself without losing hope:

• Stay Informed: Follow @DOGE on X. Seeing their updates firsthand cuts through rumors and gives you the raw facts to work with. Knowledge is power here.
• Connect with Others: Talk to friends, family, or online communities who get where you’re coming from. Sharing your worries can lighten the load and remind you you’re not in this alone.
• Write Your Reps: Put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and tell your elected officials what matters to you—whether it’s healthcare, education, or inclusion. They need to hear your voice, and letters can pile up fast.
• Take It Week by Week: Check back here for “DOGE Diaries.” We’ll keep you updated every Monday with what’s happened and what it might mean—no fluff, just the truth.

A Bit of Reassurance

DOGE’s first week was a shock, and it’s fair to wonder if Musk’s vision leaves room for the America you believe in. The fear of losing what you love—or feeling pushed out—is heavy. But this is just the beginning, not the end. You’ve got ways to stay engaged: watching @DOGE, leaning on your circle, writing those letters. You don’t have to decide your whole future today. Stick with us—we’ll walk through this together, one week at a time.

---

DOGE Diaries: Your Weekly Guide to Government Efficiency Updates