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DOGE Implications for the Average American

   By Joshua Arce

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) established by President Donald Trump in January 2025 aims to streamline federal operations and reduce government spending. Having worked in the government system for 12 years, I am keenly aware of the financial, social and legal implications for the average American and want to briefly discuss them here.

Financial Impact

The primary financial impact of DOGE is its mandate to cut federal spending. By identifying and eliminating inefficiencies, DOGE hopes to save billions of dollars annually. For the average American, this could translate into tax savings and a reduction in the national debt. But these benefits come with unknown trade-offs. DOGE efforts to reduce the federal workforce and consolidate agencies may lead to job losses, disruption of public services, lag times in request processing and even distribution of funds such as Medicare and Social Security.

For example, DOGE’s initial actions included reviewing all federal agencies to identify redundant positions and programs. Ultimately, this will lead to layoffs affecting thousands of federal employees. While these measures are intended to create a leaner government, they may adversely impact the delivery of essential services. In my experience, nearly every federal agency is understaffed and overworked. In addition, every federal agency has established workflows, and without enough people to process those requests, the public may suffer.

Social Impact

The establishment of DOGE has sparked significant public debate about the role and size of government. Supporters argue that a more efficient government will better serve the people by reducing waste and improving service. Conversely, critics worry that aggressive cost-cutting measures could undermine service quality and erode trust in government institutions.

One notable social impact is the increased scrutiny of government spending and operations. DOGE’s transparency initiatives, such as publishing detailed reports on government efficiency and spending, have empowered citizens to hold their government accountable. Transparency fosters a more informed and engaged citizenry, a better knowledge of civics, and a clear understanding of procedure – all crucial for a healthy democracy. However, this is already challenging because any oversight department should be transparent, apolitical, and bipartisan – which so far DOGE is not.

Legal Impact

From a legal perspective, the very creation of DOGE has prompted questions about the scope and limits of Presidential power. DOGE was established by Executive Order, completely bypassing the traditional legislative process. This raises questions about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of government, Congress’s role in oversight, and the role of existing authorities like the Government Accountability Office, Office of the Inspector General and Internal Revenue Service.

The mandate to streamline government operations means DOGE may be revising existing regulations that significantly impact individuals and businesses alike. Already, DOGE’s review of environmental policies has sparked controversy, with some arguing that deregulation could erode environmental protection while others believe it will reduce burdens on business and promote economic growth.

Conclusion

Any cost savings will come with trade-offs and challenges – these are two sides of the same coin. As DOGE shapes the landscape of federal operations, it will be crucial not only to balance efficiency with robust public services but to uphold democratic principles.

As of this writing, half of the DOGE leadership team has stepped aside, with the proposed DOGE savings cut in half. Reform takes time. A gross overcorrection could have a cascading impact on the communities that most need government assistance, put countless employees on unemployment, and create a recovery vacuum that will take a generation to recuperate. Going forward, I will be monitoring the impact of DOGE on Indian Country and other underserved communities.