DOGE was created to improve efficiency in government spending, but what that actually means for everyday Americans remains a point of debate. Some believe it will reduce bureaucratic waste and lead to smarter budgeting. Others worry that the focus on cost-cutting could impact programs that provide essential services.

According to a Wall Street Journal Op-Ed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, DOGE is meant to “take aim at the $500 billion plus in annual federal expenditures that are unauthorized by Congress or being used in ways that Congress never intended.” But what exactly does that mean in practice? How will it affect the American people?

DOGE’s Key Objectives

• Identify and reduce inefficient government spending.
• Streamline regulatory processes to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles.
• Modernize federal technology to improve functionality and security.

Supporters argue that these reforms will lead to a more efficient government, fewer unnecessary expenditures, and better services for taxpayers.

Critics, however, point to potential unintended consequences. If spending reductions focus on social programs, it could mean cuts to benefits that millions of Americans rely on.

Programs That Could Be Affected

DOGE does not have the authority to directly change funding, but its recommendations could influence decisions on federal budget allocations. Some programs that have been mentioned in discussions include:

• Medicaid: Analysts warn that restructuring Medicaid funding into block grants could limit federal contributions and shift more costs to states (Forbes).
• ACA subsidies: If cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments are allowed to expire, millions of Americans could face higher healthcare costs or lose coverage (Forbes).
• Food assistance and housing aid: While no direct plans have been announced, some experts suggest that programs like SNAP, WIC, and Section 8 housing could be affected if discretionary spending is reduced.

Dismantling of USAID:

According to a report by AP, the Trump administration has presented plans to significantly reduce the workforce of USAID, aiming to decrease its staff from approximately 8,000 direct hires and contractors to fewer than 300 employees. This substantial reduction could have far-reaching effects on global health and humanitarian programs that rely on USAID’s support.

Potential Closure of the Department of Education:

CNN Reports that President Trump is preparing to significantly diminish the role of the U.S. Department of Education. An executive order is expected to outline a strategy for dismantling the department, which would involve shifting its responsibilities to other agencies or state governments. This move could lead to substantial changes in federal education policies and funding structures.

These actions reflect the administration’s broader initiative to streamline federal operations, but they also raise concerns about the future of programs and services that many Americans depend on.

Ongoing Potential Benefits and Concerns

Possible Benefits:

• More efficient government services with reduced administrative waste.
• Savings from unnecessary spending could be redirected to critical programs.
• Regulatory rollbacks could make federal processes easier for businesses and individuals.

Potential Concerns:

• Federal budget reductions could impact low-income families who rely on assistance.
• Agency downsizing could lead to job losses in the federal workforce.
• Stricter eligibility requirements could reduce access to benefits for millions.

For now, DOGE’s actual impact remains to be seen. But with budget discussions ongoing, questions remain about whether key government programs could see real changes. So, how might DOGE affect key benefit programs like Medicaid and Medicare? On the next slide, we’ll explore what this could mean for Medicaid, Medicare, and other benefits programs