The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by Elon Musk under President Donald Trump, is facing intense criticism from Democratic lawmakers, particularly Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico. DOGE, established in January 2025, was tasked with cutting federal spending and eliminating waste. However, recent developments have led to accusations of overreach, mismanagement, and a lack of tangible savings.

Rep. Stansbury, serving as the top Democrat on the subcommittee overseeing DOGE, has been vocal in her opposition. During a recent hearing, she criticized the initiative as a “complete joke,” highlighting discrepancies in reported savings and questioning the legality of Musk’s involvement. She accused Republicans of shielding Musk and Trump, asserting that they were “clearly breaking the law” and urged Musk to testify before Congress to clarify his actions

One of the most significant points of contention is DOGE’s claimed savings. Initially, the department reported $2 trillion in savings, but this figure has since been revised downward to under $200 billion. Further scrutiny revealed that some of these savings were based on inflated or inaccurate data, such as misrepresenting an $8 million contract cancellation as $8 billion

The controversy surrounding DOGE has also led to internal conflicts within the Republican Party. Rep. Blake Moore, a GOP co-chair of the House DOGE caucus, confirmed delays in delivering promised cost-saving recommendations, largely due to minimal engagement with the White House. This lack of progress has raised questions about the initiative’s effectiveness and the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility .

As the situation unfolds, Rep. Stansbury remains steadfast in her criticism, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in government spending. She continues to advocate for bipartisan efforts to address waste and inefficiency without resorting to ideological overreach or unsubstantiated claims.