What's happened
Recent reports reveal ongoing government waste, inflated claims of cost-cutting, and increased federal spending in 2025. Despite efforts to reduce costs, independent analyses show spending has risen, with some claimed savings found to be false. The stories highlight persistent inefficiencies and political challenges in controlling federal budgets.
What's behind the headline?
The stories collectively expose a disconnect between political rhetoric and fiscal reality. Despite high-profile claims of cost-cutting, independent sources like the Cato Institute and the Brookings Institution show that federal spending increased in 2025, with some claimed savings turning out to be illusions. Musk's DOGE initiative, touted as a success, failed to deliver real reductions, especially in entitlement spending, which remains largely insulated from executive or legislative cuts. The significant decline in federal employment—down by about 271,000—was the only tangible change, but even that was not enough to offset rising costs. This suggests that structural issues, such as entitlement autopilot and legislative authority, continue to hinder meaningful fiscal reform. The timing of these revelations, amid political debates over debt and spending, underscores the persistent challenge of aligning political promises with fiscal realities. The story indicates that without fundamental reforms, government waste and spending will remain problematic, and claims of savings will continue to be exaggerated or illusory.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights that DOGE's claimed savings were largely unverified, with some contracts still active and savings illusory. The NY Post emphasizes the ongoing waste in government projects and the need for reform, praising Senator Paul’s efforts. The Independent provides a detailed critique of Musk's DOGE, showing that despite promises to slash trillions, actual spending increased, and many claimed cuts were false. The contrasting perspectives reveal a pattern: political narratives of reform often mask persistent fiscal challenges, with independent analyses exposing the gap between rhetoric and reality. The NY Post's editorial underscores the absurdity of wasteful projects, while The Independent's investigation shows that even high-profile cost-cutting initiatives fail to deliver tangible results, highlighting the entrenched nature of government spending issues.
How we got here
Over the past year, efforts to curb government waste have been prominent, with initiatives like Elon Musk's DOGE aiming to cut costs. However, independent analyses indicate that federal spending has continued to grow, driven by entitlement programs and structural budget issues. The political landscape, including rescission bills and executive actions, has influenced these outcomes, revealing the difficulty of meaningful fiscal reform.
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Common question
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Where Is Taxpayer Money Really Going?
Many Americans wonder how their tax dollars are spent and whether government budgets are being used effectively. Recent reports reveal ongoing waste, inflated claims of savings, and increased spending despite promises to cut costs. This raises important questions about government priorities and accountability. Below, we explore the latest insights into federal spending, the controversy over wasteful budgets, and what taxpayers should really know about where their money is going.
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The Cato Institute is an American libertarian think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C. It was founded as the Charles Koch Foundation in 1974 by Ed Crane, Murray Rothbard, and Charles Koch, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the congl
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Elon Reeve Musk FRS is an engineer, industrial designer, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder, CEO, CTO and chief designer of SpaceX; early investor, CEO and product architect of Tesla, Inc.; founder of The Boring Company; co-foun