Trump Promised Cuts — But Spending Tells a Different Story

Despite his vow to slash federal costs, President Donald Trump has overseen a dramatic spike in government spending during his first 100 days back in the White House.

A Bold Return and Big Promises

Trump kicked off his second term in January, pledging sweeping reforms and deep budget cuts. He quickly signed numerous executive orders, including renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and abolishing the Department of Education — a move now tied up in court.

Enter Elon Musk: Tasked with Trimming the Fat

To lead the charge on reducing spending, Trump appointed Elon Musk to head the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). According to the agency, it has already saved $170 billion. These savings reportedly come from canceled leases, fraud clean-up, reduced grants, and workforce cuts. However, none of these figures have been independently verified.

Reality Check: Spending Surges by $220 Billion

Despite cost-cutting claims, CBS News reports that Trump’s administration has spent $220 billion more in its first 100 days than the Biden administration did during the same timeframe last year.

Using data from January through April 29, CBS found that current federal spending is at its highest level in a decade — with the exception of 2021, when COVID-19 triggered emergency relief efforts.

Where’s the Money Going?

A major portion of the spending increase comes from Medicare and Social Security, both of which have jumped by over $37 billion compared to last year. Other departments seeing substantial boosts include:

• Treasury (interest on securities)

• Department of Defense

• Veterans Affairs

• Department of Agriculture

Cuts Behind the Scenes: Mass Layoffs Hit Government Agencies

Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has carried out sweeping layoffs across multiple federal departments — including education — in an effort to reduce what he calls “government bloat.”

“We’re getting rid of the fat this country is riddled with,” Trump said in March. He added, “Within two or three months, we’ll be left with only those who work hard and want to be part of our administration and our country.”