DOGE overstated lease savings by $81.1 million, GAO found
Reporting and findings
- estimate
DOGE displayed $113 million in lease savings even though its 264 rows summed to $53.5 million; GAO estimated $31.8 million in savings and an $81.1 million overstatement against the headline.
- U.S. Government Accountability Office: DOGE Wall of Receipts: More Transparency Needed on How Savings Are Derived from Contract, Grant, and Lease TerminationsPassages and source records documenting: DOGE overstated lease savings by $81.1 million, GAO found
- documented
Elon Musk was the Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work.
- The White House: President Trump participates in a press conference with departing DOGE adviser Elon MuskAppointment or biography record identifying Elon Musk as Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- documented
Russell Vought was the Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director.
- United States Senate: Roll Call Vote 37: Confirmation of Russell VoughtAppointment or biography record identifying Russell Vought as Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
Summary and current status
The displayed rows summed to $53.5 million despite a $113 million headline, and GAO estimated $31.8 million actual savings.
GAO estimated $31.8 million, $81.1 million below DOGE's headline
People and organizations
- Russell VoughtTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
- Elon MuskTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- General Services Administrationfederal landlord whose lease savings were overstated
- Donald J. Trumppresident authorizing the administration action
Relationships in this file
- Elon Muskpublished internally inconsistent lease savingsGeneral Services Administration
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE workElon Musk
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB directorRussell Vought
Money trail
otherGAO-estimated lease savings$31.8 million - Estimated source
- Federal lease commitments
- Estimated recipient
- Federal agencies
- Measured subject
- Federal taxpayers