DeSantis Establishes DOGE Task Force to Reduce Government Waste, Spending

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has established a new initiative called the Florida Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) to streamline government operations and cut wasteful spending across state agencies, local governments, and public higher education institutions. This initiative aims to create a task force that will audit spending and identify inefficiencies, leveraging artificial intelligence to uncover hidden waste. Critics, including Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried and Latino civil-rights organization UnidosUS, argue that the plan is merely political theater and fails to address pressing issues like high living costs and educational challenges. DeSantis asserts that Florida has already made significant financial improvements, including saving $3.5 billion last year and reducing the number of state workers per capita. The DOGE task force is expected to review around 900 state positions and recommend legislative reforms by September 30, 2025. The initiative reflects a broader trend among Republican leaders to prioritize fiscal conservatism and governmental efficiency.