Elon Musk promised his Department of Government Efficiency would slash $2 trillion in federal spending and post its accomplishments on a “Wall of Receipts” website for all to see.
But that published tally incorrectly estimated some savings or did not provide evidence to support some claims, according to a US Government Accountability Office report released Thursday. The watchdog agency said more transparency is needed to determine the actual savings from contract, grant and lease terminations.
The GAO report is the latest analysis to question DOGE’s savings claims, which fell far short of Musk’s initial boast. Several media organizations, including CNN, also found notable errors on DOGE’s site, which lists $215 billion in estimated savings through its last update on January 1 and includes savings beyond the “Wall of Receipts” list of contracts, leases and grants.
DOGE was a key player in President Donald Trump’s efforts to overhaul the federal government in his second term. It embedded staffers throughout federal agencies to look for ways to curtail spending, including by ending various programs and obligations.
The GAO looked at $110 billion worth of contracts, grants and leases that DOGE reported on the site between January 20, 2025 and July 7.
