Senate minority staff estimated $21.67 billion in DOGE-created costs
The oversight estimate counted paid leave, personnel programs, lost revenue, and operational disruption rather than treating gross cuts as net savings.
Entities and roles
- Susie WilesTrump White House chief of staff
- Russell VoughtTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
- Elon MuskTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- U.S. DOGE Serviceoperation assessed by Senate minority investigators
- Donald J. Trumppresident authorizing the administration action
Relationships in this file
- Elon Muskgenerated administrative costs evaluated against its savings claimsU.S. DOGE Service
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE workElon Musk
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB directorRussell Vought
- Donald J. TrumpTrump White House chief of staffSusie Wiles
Money trail
public cost$21.67 billion in DOGE-created costs$21.67 billion - Estimated public spending source
- Federal agencies
- Estimated funds recipient
- Administrative and personnel costs
- Loss or cost borne by
- Federal taxpayers, program users, and affected workers
Claims and evidence
- estimateestimate
Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations minority staff estimated $21,669,710,304.93 in costs associated with DOGE's first six months, including paid leave, separation programs, lost fees, and remediation.
- U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Minority Staff: The $21.7 Billion Blunder: Analyzing the Waste Generated by DOGEPassages and source records documenting: Senate minority staff estimated $21.67 billion in DOGE-created costs
- factdocumented
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
- factdocumented
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
- factdocumented
Susie Wiles was the Trump White House chief of staff.
- U.S. Office of Government Ethics: Susan Wiles New Entrant Public Financial Disclosure ReportAppointment or biography record identifying Susie Wiles as Trump White House chief of staff