^{Source: The Economic Times}

Elon Musk's ambitious promises to slash federal spending have encountered significant challenges as his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) revises its savings projections. Initially pledging up to $2 trillion in cuts, DOGE now anticipates a reduction of $150 billion for the 2026 fiscal year—a substantial decrease that has raised questions about the methodology and accuracy behind these figures.​

Scaling Back Ambitious Goals

In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Musk assured voters that electing the Republican ticket would enable him to identify ways to cut "at least $2 trillion" from the federal budget. Following Donald Trump's victory, Musk adjusted this target to $1 trillion. However, during a White House cabinet meeting in April 2025, Musk revised the estimate further, stating that DOGE now "anticipates" $150 billion in spending cuts—a figure that represents just 7.5% of the original goal. ​

Concerns Over Accuracy and Transparency

The New York Times reported that DOGE's claimed savings include "billion-dollar errors" and account for spending that may not occur in the next fiscal year. Additionally, the DOGE website has been criticized for containing "errors, double-counting, and other large inaccuracies." As of the latest reports, DOGE has provided detailed breakdowns for less than 40% of the claimed $150 billion in savings. ​

Allegations of Misleading Claims

Musk's credibility has been further challenged by his assertions regarding Social Security and unemployment fraud. He claimed that millions of Americans over the age of 100 were receiving Social Security benefits, a statement that experts attribute to outdated coding systems rather than fraud. The Social Security Administration has automated the termination of benefits for individuals once they reach age 115, and a 2023 report found that the majority of beneficiaries lacking a birth date had died.

Furthermore, Musk's allegations of widespread unemployment fraud have been debunked. Rebecca Cisco, a spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Employment Security, stated that the data Musk referenced had been "readily available, reported on, and audited at various government levels and departments for years."

Implications for Federal Programs

Musk's leadership of DOGE has coincided with significant changes in federal programs. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has undergone restructuring, including the closure of regional offices and a shift in public communications exclusively to Elon Musk-owned platform X (formerly Twitter). These changes have raised concerns about accessibility, especially for senior citizens and SSA employees who face technical barriers to accessing X. ​

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Elon Musk's revised savings estimates and controversial claims have sparked debate over the effectiveness and transparency of the Department of Government Efficiency. As the 2026 fiscal year approaches, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the implementation of these initiatives and their impact on federal programs and services.

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