Summary
Elon Musk pledged to cut U.S. federal spending by $1 trillion.
But federal data contradict his narrative: as of March 26, 2025, the government had spent $1.893 trillion—7.4% more than the $1.763 trillion spent by the same time in 2024.
This suggests federal spending is rising, not falling.
Musk’s remarks, made during a Fox News event, have reignited debate over fiscal responsibility and the realism of slashing spending without broader structural reforms.
I mean, they will likely add to the deficit mostly because they won’t collect taxes on the rich. The current spending, if I’m being honest, isn’t really an accurate prediction of their actions since contracts are still playing out and plenty of money is still being spent, although I’m betting additional costs are incurred if it’s covering severance costs and legal bills, which could be temporary if they have their way.
We’re two months in; if in a year they “win” and a ton of people aren’t still sueing them (which honestly is unlikely unless we really go full nazi) then sure, it’ll cost less because it won’t be doing jack shit for the American people. Still not a win, of course, since it’s like saying you lost weight after a quadruple amputation.