DOGE 'inflated' its biggest successes with 'error-filled data': report

Elon Musk’s promises of transparency as his Department of Government Efficiency continues to claim massive savings in the federal budget were thrown into doubt by a new report Thursday that uncovered still more mistakes with his alleged successes. After the tech billionaire’s task force quietly attempted to delete its so-called “wall of receipts” when reporters identified major mistakes and falsehoods, “the group changed its tactics,” according to a report in the New York Times. On Wednesday, the group was still claiming credit for saving $1.9 billion by canceling an Internal Revenue Service contract for tech help.” But, the analysis pointed out, “that contract was canceled under President Joseph R. Biden Jr.” “The website posted it, deleted it, then restored it. The group has not responded to questions about why either time.” The Times also found that “at least five of the 20 largest ‘savings’ appeared to be exaggerated, according to federal data and interviews with the nonprofits whose grants were on the list.” “The website is the only place where this very powerful group has given a public accounting of its work. “There is no reason that they should not be putting out the specifics and details behind what they’re cutting,” said Gary Kalman, executive director of the anti-corruption nonprofit Transparency International U.S., to the Times.