Red States Launch Government Efficiency Initiatives, Including DOGE

Republican-led states are increasingly adopting initiatives modeled after President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reduce government size and costs. Oklahoma's Governor Kevin Stitt recently established DOGE-OK, aiming to identify waste and inefficiencies within state agencies. In Georgia, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones introduced the 'Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025,' designed to streamline regulations and promote business growth, mirroring Trump's efficiency goals. Critics, particularly from the Democratic Party, argue that many states already have mechanisms for oversight, potentially rendering these new initiatives redundant. However, proponents believe that these efforts will help tackle existing bureaucratic challenges and foster economic development. The push for efficiency comes amid significant budget gaps faced by many states, prompting a reevaluation of government spending practices.