The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced on Tuesday that it has canceled more than 200,000 government credit cards. The update was shared via a post on X, signaling a major move in federal spending reforms.<\/p>\n
DOGE, overseen by White House advisor Elon Musk, revealed on February 18 that it was collaborating with agencies to streamline credit card accounts and lower administrative costs. According to USA Today, the federal government previously managed 4.6 million credit cards, facilitating over 90 million transactions in the fiscal year 2024.<\/p>\n
Just a week later, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at transforming federal spending. This directive included a 30-day freeze on agency employee credit cards, marking a significant shift in financial oversight.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, DOGE provided a three-week progress update on the initiative. The department highlighted that the pilot program is currently auditing 16 agencies, with the Health and Human Services Department and the Department of the Interior making notable progress.<\/p>\n
Trump and Musk have consistently advocated for reducing government expenditures. Their cost-cutting efforts have included proposals to lay off over 100,000 federal employees, USA Today reported.<\/p>\n
The executive order does allow some exceptions. Employees using government credit cards for disaster relief, emergency operations, or other critical services, as determined by agency heads, will not be affected by the freeze.<\/p>\n
A new memo, dated March 5, imposes a $1 limit on government travel credit cards for civilian employees within the Department of Defense. However, transactions in direct support of military operations or permanent station changes remain exempt from the restriction.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Trump praised Musk\u2019s role in exposing wasteful government spending. He emphasized Musk\u2019s importance in federal financial reforms and encouraged him to take even bolder steps.<\/p>\n
\u201cElon is doing a great job, but I would like to see him get more aggressive,\u201d Trump posted on Truth Social. \u201cRemember, we have a country to save, but ultimately, to make greater than ever before. MAGA!\u201d<\/p>\n
Musk responded enthusiastically, replying, \u201cWill do, Mr. President!\u201d This exchange further solidified Musk\u2019s position as a key figure in the administration\u2019s financial restructuring efforts.<\/p>\n
On the same day, Trump announced that attacks on Tesla dealerships would now be treated as acts of domestic terrorism. The statement came as he showcased his purchase of a red Tesla at the White House.<\/p>\n
During a press conference, Trump assured reporters that action would be taken. \u201cI will do that. I\u2019ll do it. I\u2019m going to stop them \u2026 Those people are going to go through a big problem when we catch them.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also suggested that authorities already have information on some suspects. \u201cWe already know who some of them are,\u201d he stated. \u201cWe\u2019re gonna catch \u2019em. They\u2019re bad guys. They\u2019re the same guys that screw around with our schools and universities \u2014 the same garbage.\u201d<\/p>\n
WATCH :<\/p>\n