What DOGE Did This Week — Without the B.S.

Since Trump returned to office, few government agencies have grabbed more headlines — or raised more eyebrows — than the Department of Government Efficiency. Better known as DOGE, it’s run by Elon Musk and positioned as the federal watchdog for waste, fraud, and bureaucracy.

So, what’s DOGE been up to? We dug into their latest weekly update. Here’s what stood out.

$1 Billion in Alleged Fraud Uncovered

DOGE claims it identified over $1 billion in fraudulent claims tied to unemployment and small business loans.

Some of the most shocking examples?

• People listed as under the age of 5 — or over 115.
  
• A few had birth dates in the future.
  
• Others were reportedly on federal terror watchlists.
  

According to DOGE, this points to major cracks in government verification systems — and they’re pushing for a full audit of current safeguards.

Takeaway:

DOGE says outdated systems are leaking billions — and they’ve got the data to back it up.

273 Federal Contracts Canceled

The agency also announced it canceled 273 government contracts, claiming to save taxpayers around $209 million.

Among the scrapped deals:

• A $250,000 lighting study
  
• A $5.2 million undefined services contract
  
• Over $1 million in federal marketing costs
  

The message? If agencies can’t clearly justify a line item, DOGE will pull the plug.

Takeaway:

Expect tighter federal budgets and fewer blank checks.

New Cap on University Overhead

DOGE’s latest move targets research grants.

Starting this month, the agency is capping overhead costs at 15% for federally funded university research. Previously, some schools used these grants to cover admin expenses, travel, or office costs.

Now, DOGE says that money should go directly to the science — not bureaucracy. The new rule is expected to save over $400 million a year.

Takeaway: 

More funding for research, less for red tape.

What’s Next for DOGE?

Love it or hate it, the Department of Government Efficiency isn’t slowing down.

Every week, DOGE publishes a breakdown of cuts, audits, and reforms. Some view it as a much-needed shakeup. Others see it as a political stunt. But the bold claims and big numbers are drawing national attention either way.

Takeaway:

DOGE is here to stay — and they’re putting every federal dollar under the microscope.