Trump to subject all contracts, grants through rigorous standards with DOGE executive order

Executive Order Aims to Increase Transparency and Reduce Waste in Government Spending

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order designed to bring greater transparency and accountability to government spending. The order, part of Trump’s broader initiative to improve efficiency within the federal government, requires that all government payments and travel expenses be thoroughly justified and made public wherever possible. This move is intended to address what the administration describes as a lack of oversight and discipline in how taxpayer dollars are spent. By leveraging modern technology, the order seeks to transform the way federal funds are allocated, ensuring that every contract and grant is subjected to rigorous scrutiny to prove its necessity and value.

Immediate Action Required: Agencies to Review Contracts and Grants

The executive order mandates that federal agencies take immediate action to review all contracts and grants under their purview. The primary goal is to identify and eliminate any instances of waste, fraud, or abuse within these financial commitments. This directive applies not only to future expenditures but also to existing contracts and grants, as agencies are tasked with assessing whether they continue to serve a legitimate purpose or if they should be terminated. Additionally, all travel expenses incurred by government employees will now be subject to heightened scrutiny, with a requirement that they be justified and, where feasible, made publicly available. This new level of transparency is intended to restore public trust in the government’s stewardship of taxpayer money.

Freeze on Government Credit Card Use

One of the more immediate consequences of the executive order is the effective freezing of government credit card use for a 30-day period. While certain exceptions apply—such as for disaster relief efforts or other critical services deemed essential by agency heads—the order signals a significant shift in how federal employees are expected to manage government funds. During this period, agencies are expected to carefully review all credit card transactions to ensure that they align with the administration’s new standards of fiscal responsibility. This measure is part of a broader effort to instill a culture of frugality within the federal bureaucracy, with the aim of preventing unnecessary or frivolous spending.

Overhauling Property Management and Reducing Waste

The executive order also addresses the management of government-owned or leased properties, requiring the General Services Administration (GSA) to submit a plan for the disposal of any properties that are deemed unnecessary. This provision reflects the administration’s commitment to streamlining government operations and eliminating inefficiencies. By divesting itself of underutilized or redundant assets, the government hopes to not only reduce costs but also improve the overall efficiency of its operations. The order also emphasizes the need for greater discipline in how taxpayer dollars are spent, with a focus on ensuring that every expenditure aligns with the public interest.

The Role of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

At the heart of this initiative is the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a newly established entity tasked with overseeing the implementation of these reforms. Led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, DOGE has been charged with identifying areas of waste and inefficiency within the federal government and developing strategies to address them. Since its inception, DOGE has already reported notable successes, including estimated savings of $65 billion through a combination of fraud detection, contract renegotiation, asset sales, and workforce reductions. These savings are documented on DOGE’s “Wall of Receipts,” a publicly accessible platform that provides a detailed breakdown of where and how these efficiencies have been achieved.

A New Era of Fiscal Responsibility

The executive order and the establishment of DOGE mark a significant shift in how the federal government approaches spending. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and efficiency, the administration aims to restore public confidence in its ability to manage taxpayer dollars effectively. The measures outlined in the order are part of a broader effort to transform the federal bureaucracy into a more streamlined and effective institution, one that is better equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century. As the government continues to implement these reforms, the focus will remain on ensuring that every dollar spent serves the public interest and contributes to the overall goal of a more efficient and responsive government.