Senate minority staff estimated $21.67 billion in DOGE-created costs
Reporting and findings
- estimate
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
- 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
- documented
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
Summary and current status
The oversight estimate counted paid leave, personnel programs, lost revenue, and operational disruption rather than treating gross cuts as net savings.
$21.67 billion minority-staff estimate through July 2025
People and organizations
- 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