Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has identified significant government waste, fraud, and abuse, leading to savings of at least $160 billion during President Trump's first 100 days in office. Among the most notable findings were funds transferred to a former Taliban member and misuse of COVID-relief funds by schools for non-educational purposes. Additionally, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funded a $20 million 'Sesame Street' project in Iraq, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported $162 billion in improper payments across federal programs. DOGE has also worked to cut diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) spending, eliminating hundreds of millions in unnecessary grants. These efforts have drawn criticism from Democrats but praise from Republicans, highlighting the contentious nature of DOGE's initiatives under Trump's administration.

Elon Musk's DOGE has successfully cut over $160 billion in government waste, targeting areas such as improper contracts and excessive spending in various federal programs. The department was established by an executive order from Trump and aims to reduce the federal budget by $2 trillion.

A controversial contract involving the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and a former Taliban member was uncovered, where $132,000 was transferred before the contract was canceled by DOGE. This incident highlighted the misuse of funds and the need for stricter oversight in government contracts.

DOGE's audits revealed that COVID-relief funds allocated to schools were spent on extravagant expenses like Las Vegas hotel rooms, an ice cream truck, and a Major League Baseball stadium rental, rather than on educational improvements or student benefits.

The USAID allocated $20 million to create a 'Sesame Street' program in Iraq, aimed at promoting social inclusion. This expenditure has been criticized as unnecessary and not aligned with the core mission of USAID, according to DOGE findings.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office reported $162 billion in improper payments in 2024, with significant waste concentrated in programs under the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Agriculture.

DOGE has focused on reducing DEI spending, which it views as non-essential, saving hundreds of millions by canceling grants and programs such as holistic DEI training in the Air Force and university initiatives aimed at bridging divides.

The department's cost-cutting measures have been met with mixed reactions, receiving negative coverage from major news networks while gaining support from Republican circles who view it as a necessary step toward fiscal responsibility.