Elon Musk’s Budget Cuts Face Scrutiny Over Inaccurate Savings Claims

As Elon Musk’s cost-cutting team, known as the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), claims billions in savings, their misstatements make verifying actual cuts nearly impossible. Some listed lease terminations hint at what’s on the chopping block in South Florida.

The DOGE website showcases a “Wall of Receipts,” boasting supposed savings through lease cancellations, grants, and contract reductions. U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Miami) praised Musk’s unconventional approach but opposed one major cut—ending the U.S. Office of Cuba Broadcasting’s lease.

DOGE claims terminating the $1.5 million annual lease of the Jorge Mas Canoa Building, home to Radio and Television Marti, will save taxpayers $5.32 million. However, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees the program, says no final decisions have been made. Gimenez firmly rejected the cut, stating, “I support revamping it, but I don’t support eliminating it. The people of Cuba need free, unedited information.”

Beyond Marti, DOGE lists eight other South Florida lease terminations, including:

• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary ($1.45M savings)
• Department of Labor Office in Plantation ($2.86M savings)
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office in Doral ($134K savings)
• FDA Office of Criminal Investigations in Plantation ($691K savings)

None of these agencies have confirmed the cuts. As scrutiny mounts, questions remain about whether DOGE’s cost-saving claims hold up—and what programs may be at risk.