How DOGE’s Cuts to the IRS Threaten to Cost More Than DOGE Will Ever Save
www.propublica.org
The Trump administration claims gutting federal agencies will save money, but cutting the IRS means the government collects less taxes. “If you’re interested in the deficit and curbing it, why would you cut back on the revenue side?” one expert asks.

Summary

Under the Trump administration’s “efficiency initiative,” spearheaded by Musk’s DOGE, over 6,000 IRS employees, many specializing in auditing wealthy individuals and corporations, were fired.

This action reverses efforts to address prior underfunding and staffing shortages within the IRS.

With studies showing the IRS generates $5-$12 for every dollar spent on audits, especially on wealthy taxpayers, experts like fired engineer Nershi argue that these cuts will reduce revenue, not save money.

Former IRS Commissioner Koskinen questioned, “why would you cut back on the revenue side?”. Critics argue these cuts, framed as fiscal responsibility, will actually cost more through lost revenue and ultimately benefit “tax cheats.”

  • @[email protected]
    16•23 hours ago

    It was never about saving money. It was always about dismantling the government so that the oligarchs could carve out their own personal fiefdoms out of whatever’s left.

    • jackeryjooEnglish
      2•23 hours ago

      Correct. This was the excuse they gave the public to raid the coffers and reduce their own tax obligations.

      They have never, and will never, give two shits about us.