Florida Governor Ron DeSantis isn’t happy with his fellow Republicans in Congress—and he’s not keeping quiet about it.
In a blunt social media post, he accused them of walking away from one of the biggest promises made to voters in 2024: cutting government waste.
.@elonmusk took massive incoming — including attacks on his companies as well as personal smears — to lead the effort on @DOGE.
He became public enemy #1 of legacy media around the world.
To see Republicans in Congress cast aside any meaningful spending reductions (and, in… https://t.co/vVWzgNDbmV
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) May 27, 2025
At the center of the controversy is DOGE—the Department of Government Efficiency.
It’s not a formal agency, but an initiative launched by President Trump through an executive order on his first day back in office.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk was tapped to lead it, with the goal of slashing unnecessary spending, modernizing outdated systems, and streamlining government operations.
But now, DeSantis says Congress is letting it all fall apart.
“To see Republicans in Congress cast aside any meaningful spending reductions…is demoralizing,” DeSantis posted.
He called it a betrayal of the voters who elected them to shrink the size and cost of government.
What DOGE Was Supposed to Do
DOGE was designed to be a rapid-response team focused on cutting waste.
It targeted programs and departments that had ballooned over the years—everything from foreign aid through USAID, to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) contracts, and even duplicative federal grants.
Musk claimed the DEI cuts alone saved over $1 billion. In the first 100 days, over 121,000 federal workers were laid off or offered buyouts.
Some called the effort bold, others called it reckless.
Why It Matters
According to a May 26 post by political analyst Matt Van Swol, 73% of Americans support cutting government waste.
That’s not a fringe view—that’s mainstream.
After the 2024 elections gave Republicans control of the White House, the House, and the Senate, voters expected real change.
But despite identifying billions in cuts, Congress hasn’t locked them into law.
Without that step, the next administration could reverse them with the stroke of a pen.
Instead, Senate Republicans recently voted down an amendment that would have codified some of DOGE’s recommendations.
DeSantis and others are calling out specific GOP senators for not following through.
The Inflation Angle
There’s more at stake than just political promises.
DeSantis and other conservatives argue that out-of-control spending is driving up inflation.
Here’s how that works: When the federal government keeps spending more than it brings in, it has to borrow the difference. That puts upward pressure on interest rates and prices.
As DeSantis puts it, inflation is a “hidden tax” that hits every American, whether they realize it or not.
With the national debt now at $36 trillion, and the monthly trade deficit climbing past $140 billion, many worry that failing to rein in spending now will only make the economic pain worse later.
Fallout and Frustration
The failure to codify DOGE’s cuts has sparked backlash—not just from politicians like DeSantis, but from conservative influencers, voters, and even some members of Congress.
Some on social media have called on voters to stop donating to the GOP until it follows through. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has said Congress should be voting on DOGE-related reforms “every week.”
Meanwhile, critics of DOGE say it’s already caused real harm.
Reports from outlets like The Guardian and CNN have detailed problems at VA hospitals, where staff layoffs and hiring freezes led to canceled appointments and longer wait times.
Some lawmakers are also concerned that critical services—like mine safety, medical research, and veteran support—are being cut too deeply or too quickly.
Even Elon Musk admitted earlier this year that “some things have gone too far,” suggesting parts of the plan may need to be revised.
Why Congress May Be Hesitating
There are a few reasons Republican lawmakers might be holding back.
First, the rules in the Senate limit what can be passed through reconciliation—the fast-track process that only needs 50 votes.
DOGE primarily targets discretionary spending, which can’t be touched through reconciliation.
That means Republicans would need at least 60 votes in the Senate to overcome a filibuster, and that’s a tough sell with moderates in the party not fully on board.
Second, the political backlash is real.
Democrats have hosted town halls highlighting the effects of DOGE’s cuts, and Republicans have reportedly avoided holding their own public meetings because of how upset some voters are.
There are also ongoing legal challenges.
DOGE has faced lawsuits from unions and watchdog groups, and courts have already blocked some of its efforts—like accessing Treasury data without proper authorization.
What’s Next?
Despite the setbacks, the fight over DOGE isn’t over.
Lawmakers like Sen. Rand Paul are looking for new ways to push through the reforms.
Meanwhile, voters are watching closely—and many are making it clear that they expect action, not excuses.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
