Inaccuracies and Double Counting Plague Updated Savings Claims

Inaccuracies and Double Counting Plague Updated Savings Claims

For the second time in two weeks, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has released inaccurate information regarding its cost-cutting efforts. The updated "wall of receipts," which lists canceled contracts and claimed savings, shows a significant drop from the initial $16.6 billion figure, now totaling $9.6 billion. However, the total claimed savings have jumped to $65 billion, raising further questions about the validity of DOGE's reporting.

Several discrepancies have been identified in the updated receipts. Many contracts appear to be double, triple, or even quadruple counted, leading to inflated savings figures. Additionally, some contracts listed are unlikely to reach the claimed savings amount due to their specific nature and limited funding.

One example involves a $25 million contract for DEI training and assessment services for the Department of Agriculture. DOGE mistakenly listed each of the four companies involved as having a separate $25 million contract, claiming a total savings of $100 million. In reality, the companies drew funding from the single $25 million contract.

Another instance involves a Consumer Finance Protection Bureau contract cancellation, where two line items list $9,999,999 in savings, despite referring to the same contract. Similarly, a previously listed contract claiming $1.965 billion in savings has been revised to show one instance at $0.35, another at zero savings, and a third at $18,171,886.

Furthermore, DOGE has taken credit for the sale of a building in Washington, D.C., claiming it as savings. However, the building was actually auctioned off during the Biden administration for approximately $4 million.

These inaccuracies and inconsistencies raise concerns about the transparency and accuracy of DOGE's reporting. The significant discrepancies and double counting suggest that the claimed savings figures may be significantly inflated. Additionally, the lack of supporting documentation for the vast majority of the claimed savings further undermines the credibility of DOGE's reporting.

As DOGE continues to eliminate government contracts, tens of thousands of government employees and contractors have likely lost their jobs. The impact of these cuts on the government workforce and the overall economy remains to be seen.