More: Instead of cutting waste, the initiative disrupted functioning systems and demoralized workers. Democrats are now calling for audits across 27 agencies and hinting at possible criminal investigations.

In the end, taxpayers are left covering $21.7 billion in losses.

$21.7 Billion Total Waste A Senate report estimates DOGE caused $21.7 billion in taxpayer waste between January and mid-July 2025.

$14.8 Billion for 200K Employees Paid Not to Work Deferred Resignation Program paid 200,000 federal workers to stay home for up to eight months.

$6.1 Billion on Administrative Leave for 100K+ Employees Over 100,000 employees were placed on paid administrative leave for weeks or months.

Summing Up: 300,000+ Workers and $21.7B Burned These two categories account for nearly $21 billion of the total waste.

The full $21.7B also includes losses from spoiled supplies, failed projects, and costly relocations.