Did DOGE Go Far Enough? Poll Reveals What Americans Really Think

Nearly half of Americans believe the Department of Government Efficiency is right on target or hasn’t gone far enough in its cost-cutting efforts.

That’s according to a new poll from the Napolitan News Service, which surveyed 1,000 registered voters last week on their feelings about DOGE, the Elon Musk-inspired initiative that targeted waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government.

The poll found that 47% of voters think favorably of DOGE’s work, with 25% saying it hasn’t gone far enough and 22% who say it’s about right. That compares to 38% who believe DOGE has gone too far, while 15% were unsure.

As a result, many Americans think President Donald Trump will significantly reduce federal government spending over the next year. The poll revealed that 54% of voters are confident that government spending will be reduced, while 35% think it is unlikely to happen. Moreover, another 11% were not sure on the outcome.

The White House delivered Tuesday the first package to the House of Representatives that would cut $9 billion for the U.S. Agency for International Development, as well as taxpayer funds to NPR and PBS.

Since DOGE began to investigate government waste in January, 70% of Americans have been following its work very or somewhat closely.

Even as Musk’s time as a senior adviser for the president came to an end last week, DOGE will continue to scour  government agencies for waste and inefficiencies. Its website reported an estimated $180 billion in savings so far, which amounts to $1,118.01 per taxpayer.

“Musk built the foundation and left a well-assembled team to carry the torch—but the future of DOGE now hinges on Congress,” Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., recently told to The Daily Signal.

“Its success will depend on whether elected officials have the backbone to shrink big government and root out waste. He may, in fact, have more influence and persuasive power operating outside the confines of government,” the Missouri congressman added. 

At the same time, the nation is currently divided whether they have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Musk with 47%of Americans viewing him positively and 45% holding a negative impression of him.

The Napolitan News Service poll was conducted June 2-3. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.