A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that 58% of Americans are apprehensive about potential delays in essential services, such as Social Security and student financial aid, due to cost-cutting measures implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This initiative, led by tech billionaire Elon Musk under President Donald Trump’s administration, aims to significantly reduce federal spending.
Established in early 2025, DOGE has undertaken aggressive downsizing across various federal agencies, resulting in the dismissal of over 10,000 government employees within a two-week span. Notably, approximately 30% of the federal workforce comprises military veterans, many of whom have been disproportionately affected by these layoffs. This has led to confusion and fear among veterans, with concerns extending to potential future cuts in Veterans Affairs benefits.
Despite the significant influence Musk wields in this role, the White House has portrayed him as a temporary adviser without formal authority. This characterization has been met with legal challenges, as Musk’s appointment to head DOGE has not been ratified by the Senate, raising questions about the constitutional legitimacy of his actions. Federal judges have paused some of DOGE’s initiatives, citing concerns over potential overreach and lack of congressional oversight.
In an effort to mitigate public concern, President Trump has expressed support for a proposal to distribute a portion of the savings generated by DOGE’s cost-cutting measures directly to American households. This plan suggests allocating 20% of the projected $2 trillion in savings as $5,000 dividends per household. However, critics argue that such distributions could undermine fiscal responsibility and exacerbate the national debt.
The administration’s aggressive approach has also led to significant disruptions within critical agencies. For instance, DOGE operatives have gained access to sensitive systems within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify and address fraud, raising concerns about data security and the potential for political misuse of taxpayer information.
As DOGE continues its efforts to streamline government operations, public opinion remains divided. While some support the initiative’s goal of reducing government waste, many express concern over the potential negative impact on essential services and the livelihoods of federal employees, particularly veterans. The administration faces ongoing legal and political challenges as it seeks to implement its cost-cutting agenda.
Sources:
- Americans worry Musk’s campaign to slash government could hurt services, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds
- Many federal workers are vets. They’re terrified.
- Why Trump Is Trying to Downplay Musk’s Role at DOGE in Court
- A DOGE Dividend Is a Bad Idea. Trump May Cut Checks Anyway.
- Trump appears to agree to cut checks to Americans to share portion of savings from DOGE cost-cutting
- Trump says Musk’s DOGE cost-cutting efforts will be ‘biggest thing’ SpaceX boss ‘has ever done’
- DOGE staffer, 25, poised to gain access to sensitive IRS taxpayer system as fraud emerges as new Musk focus
