What's Up Doge?

In the past week, the Department of Government Efficiency—known as DOGE—delivered tangible cuts to federal waste, aligning with its mandate for leaner operations. Here’s a breakdown of key actions, grounded in public announcements.

December 15: Slashing Wasteful Contracts

DOGE spearheaded the termination and descoping of 55 federal contracts over five days, unlocking $233 million in taxpayer savings. These included vague consulting deals like a $3.1 million Department of Energy contract for “customized help and expertise on energy resilience for states” and a $2.4 million contract for “strategic transformation and enterprise project support.” The total ceiling value of these axed deals hit $1.6 billion. This move targets bloated programs that drain resources without clear deliverables.

December 17: Spotlight on NASA Leadership Shift

DOGE amplified news of a pivotal appointment by reposting an update from Sawyer Merritt. The U.S. Senate confirmed Jared Isaacman, aged 42, as NASA’s new administrator—the youngest ever. Isaacman, a space entrepreneur, signals a push toward ambitious goals like Moon and Mars missions. This endorsement underscores DOGE’s interest in efficient, innovative federal agencies.

December 18: Extending Efficiency to the United Nations

DOGE highlighted international reforms by quoting Ambassador Mike Waltz, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations. Under the banner of “DOGE-ing” the UN, plans include cutting 2,600 bureaucrats, slashing the budget by 15% in the first year, and reducing peacekeepers by 25%. The focus shifts to core missions: halting wars and averting conflicts, rather than sustaining administrative overhead funded by U.S. taxpayers. DOGE called this a “great international tour,” extending its domestic efficiency drive globally.

December 18: Federal Workforce Reductions Hit Milestone

DOGE celebrated a major benchmark: federal employment dropped to its lowest since 2014, down 271,000 jobs since President Trump’s inauguration. Crediting a coordinated effort led by the Office of Personnel Management, DOGE stated, “Promises made, promises kept.” This reflects streamlined government, eliminating redundancies while preserving essential functions.

The trend is clear in this chart, showing a steady decline through 2025 with sharper cuts toward year-end: