DOGE Deferred Resignation Program Cost Government $4.5 Billion for Workers Not Working

A Federal News Network estimate found the government paid approximately $4.5 billion in salary and benefits to federal employees who accepted the DOGE deferred resignation program while not performing work. Separately, agencies have spent $12.1 million rehiring previously terminated employees in response to court orders. A nonpartisan analysis estimated the program actually cost taxpayers $135 billion through disrupted operations, contract termination penalties, and legal settlements, contradicting DOGE's claimed $160 billion in savings.