The Department of Government Efficiency, the cost cutting commission that reshaped parts of the federal government under President Donald Trump, is reaching the end of its official life. The initiative, created by executive order in January 2025, was set to expire on July 4, 2026, and its influence had already faded well before that date arrived.
Trump originally described the effort as a gift to the nation on its 250th anniversary, promising a smaller and more efficient government. Instead, according to Harvard Kennedy School professor Elizabeth Linos and several other experts who spoke about the commission’s impact, the result was a rapid loss of institutional knowledge and disruption to programs, without delivering anywhere close to the trillion dollar savings once promised.
The numbers behind DOGE’s claims
DOGE reported saving approximately $215 billion, translating to roughly $1,335 per taxpayer. Those savings came primarily from three sources. The first involved eliminating duplicate software licenses across agencies. The second involved canceling diversity, equity and inclusion related grants. The third involved terminating leases on underused federal office space. Critics note that figure represents a small fraction of the federal government’s annual budget, which totals close to $7 trillion.
The commission’s momentum slowed significantly after Elon Musk, who led the effort alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, departed in May of last year following friction with government officials. Ramaswamy left even earlier to pursue a run for governor of Ohio.
Signs the effort had already wound down
Several indicators suggest DOGE’s operations slowed months before its official expiration. The commission’s social media account, which retains nearly 5 million followers, remained largely inactive for extended stretches. Its public webpage tracking cost savings has not been updated since January 1. The White House has not clarified whether a final assessment or closing report will be issued, with budget officials indicating no such review is planned.
The administration’s April budget proposal requested $35 million to continue the U.S. DOGE Service, though lawmakers reviewing the request noted the initiative appeared to have already been significantly scaled back in practice.
Where former DOGE officials landed next
Rather than disappearing entirely, several prominent figures associated with DOGE transitioned into other government roles. A number moved to the National Design Studio, a separate temporary organization focused on redesigning government websites and digital services, which reports to the White House chief of staff. That group includes Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, who now serves as its chief design officer, along with at least two other former DOGE officials who previously drew attention for cutting federal grants and programs.
Separately, the acting administrator who oversaw DOGE’s daily operations has since moved into a health technology leadership role at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Mixed reviews from across the political spectrum
Reactions to DOGE’s legacy have varied widely. Federal employee unions argue the commission caused widespread disruption without proving meaningful reductions in waste or fraud. Meanwhile, even some conservative policy analysts who generally supported deregulation efforts have questioned whether DOGE‘s approach produced lasting structural change, suggesting that durable reform requires altering underlying laws and institutions rather than relying on temporary initiatives.
Public policy experts largely agree on one point regardless of political leaning. Future administrations, whether led by Republicans or Democrats, are unlikely to replicate DOGE’s specific approach, even as both parties continue pursuing their own versions of government efficiency and reform efforts going forward.
As DOGE’s formal charter lapses, questions remain about whether its functions will be folded permanently into existing agencies or continue in some altered form under a different name.
This story was originally reported by Politico.