Trump Promised to Cut Spending — But Federal Costs Just Jumped $220 Billion
A return to power, a surge in spending. Despite pledging to slash government costs, President Donald Trump’s second term is off to an expensive start — with federal spending jumping $220 billion compared to the same period in 2024, according to a new CBS News analysis.
That’s not exactly the lean-and-mean government Trump campaigned on.
Big Promises, Bigger Bills
Early in his new term, Trump established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — and tapped tech billionaire Elon Musk to lead it. The administration claims the agency has already saved $170 billion.
But here’s the catch: none of those savings have been independently verified.
Meanwhile, actual federal spending is skyrocketing.
So Where’s the Money Going?
CBS breaks down the biggest drivers behind the budget blowout. It’s not just one thing — it’s several high-cost priorities all hitting at once:
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Medicare and Social Security: Still untouchable — and expensive.
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Military and Veterans’ Programs: Defense budgets are up.
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National Debt: Interest payments alone are chewing through taxpayer dollars.
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Agricultural Subsidies: Farms are getting paid — even when crops aren’t growing.
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Immigration Enforcement: Deportation flights — over 350 of them — cost up to $27,000 per hour, with annual program costs possibly reaching $88 billion.
Fewer Workers, But More Spending?
In a bid to “trim the fat,” the administration has cut jobs across several departments — particularly in education. The idea: smaller bureaucracy, smoother operations.
But if fewer workers mean more money spent… something’s off.
Fiscal Disconnect?
While Trump’s team insists these changes will deliver long-term savings, critics aren’t buying it. The early numbers tell a different story:
Government spending is up — not down.
What Comes Next?
With Trump’s second-term agenda just beginning, the real test will be whether his administration can balance bold policy changes with the kind of budget discipline he promised on the campaign trail.
For now, the gap between promises and reality is growing — and so is the federal tab.
