Musk’s DOGE Exit Ushers in New Era for Border Security and Government Efficiency

Elon Musk’s exit from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on Friday signals a pivotal shift for an agency that’s been shaking up federal spending, particularly on immigration and border security. Under Musk’s watch, DOGE slashed wasteful contracts and redirected funds to tighten border control, leaving a legacy that’s as bold as it is controversial.

Cutting the Fat: DOGE made headlines by axing an $83 million contract for an unused illegal immigrant facility and $80 million in FEMA funds that bankrolled hotel stays for migrants in places like New York’s Roosevelt Hotel. As Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, put it, "DOGE’s mission to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse continues!" The agency also greenlit a contract in March to resume construction on seven miles of President Trump’s border wall, a move hailed by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem as a step toward securing the nation.

Terror Watchlist Troubles: In April, DOGE exposed a startling misuse of public benefits, revealing that illegal immigrants on the FBI’s terror watchlist and others with criminal records were tapping into Medicaid, unemployment benefits, and even federal student loans. The numbers are jarring: 409 "paroled aliens" scored tax refunds worth $751,000, while others racked up $276,000 in Medicaid costs and $280,000 in student loans. DOGE’s response? Immediate termination of these paroles, cutting off access to work authorization and social security numbers for those with questionable backgrounds.

Beyond the Border: DOGE’s efficiency crusade didn’t stop at immigration. The Coast Guard saved $32.7 million by scrapping an outdated IT system, redirecting funds to frontline operations. Meanwhile, DHS and HUD are cracking down on illegal immigrants exploiting public housing benefits, and FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program was shelved for prioritizing political agendas over disaster relief. As a FEMA spokesperson noted, the focus is now on helping Americans in crisis.

A New Chapter: Musk’s departure comes as President Trump’s second term drives a sharp drop in border encounters and a tougher stance on criminal illegal immigrants. With DOGE claiming $175 billion in taxpayer savings, the agency’s work is far from over. But as it moves forward without Musk’s larger-than-life presence, the question remains: can DOGE maintain its momentum in reshaping government efficiency?