DOGE Agency Debunks Shutdown Reports, Vows Return Amid Budget Controversy

A U.S. government agency is at the center of a public dispute over its own existence. The Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, is pushing back against reports it has been shut down. Its official X account called a recent news story “fake news.” The agency promised it would be back with regular updates soon.

According to Reuters, the Trump-era agency has ceased functioning as a centralized body. Its remaining operations are reportedly now absorbed by the Office of Personnel Management.

DOGE Existence Disputed by Officials and Reports

The controversy ignited after a Reuters report indicated the agency was disbanded. The report stated DOGE had eight months left on its official charter. An official from the Office of Personnel Management seemed to confirm the shutdown. OPM Director Scott Kupor told Reuters, “That doesn’t exist,” when asked about DOGE’s status.

Several investigations had previously raised red flags about the agency’s work. A study from Ars Technica found serious inconsistencies in its accounting. The Associated Press also reported in February that many contract cancellations would yield no savings. This was because the funds had already been committed or spent.

Budget Claims Face Scrutiny from Watchdogs

The agency’s claimed cost savings are a major point of contention. DOGE had publicly touted saving billions of dollars for taxpayers. However, analysts and watchdog groups found these figures to be misleading or inaccurate.

A NPR report from March 2025 delved into the numbers. It found that DOGE’s “Wall of Receipts” documented only $16.5 billion in cancellations. This was far less than the claimed $55 billion in savings. The analysis also noted a significant typo. An $8 million contract was initially reported as an $8 billion saving.

The future of the DOGE agency remains uncertain as it publicly fights for its relevance. Its online promise of a return contrasts sharply with official accounts of its dissolution. The public is left to watch this unique bureaucratic battle unfold.

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What is the DOGE agency?

The Department of Government Efficiency was created under the Trump administration. Its stated mission was to identify and eliminate wasteful government spending. It was led in part by Elon Musk.

Why is the DOGE agency in the news?

It is in the news due to conflicting reports about its operational status. Reuters reported the agency has been disbanded. The agency’s official X account then denied this report.

How much money did DOGE claim to save?

The agency publicly claimed to have saved $55 billion. Independent analyses, including one from NPR, found evidence for only about $16.5 billion in actual contract cancellations.

What happens to DOGE’s work now?

According to Reuters, its remaining functions have been absorbed by other government bodies. The Office of Personnel Management is now handling its ongoing operations.

Has DOGE responded to the shutdown reports?

Yes, the official DOGE X account actively disputed the Reuters story. It labeled the report as “fake news” and promised to return with regular updates.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, National Public Radio (NPR), Ars Technica