Thank DOGE: VA Cuts Web Contract WASTE
In a decisive move toward fiscal responsibility, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has terminated a $380,000-per-month website maintenance contract, opting instead for in-house management.
AT A GLANCE
The VA canceled a $380,000/month website maintenance contract.
A VA software engineer now manages the task in about 10 hours per week.
The move follows recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
DOGE, led by Elon Musk under an executive order from President Trump, has drawn criticism for its sweeping authority.
Over $4.7 billion in federal contracts have been cut under DOGE’s oversight.
VA shifts to in-house web support after canceling costly contract
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has eliminated a contract that cost taxpayers $380,000 each month for minor website updates—now replaced by internal oversight requiring just 10 hours per week from a VA software engineer. The move, according to reporting from Fox News, follows scrutiny from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which flagged the agreement as inefficient.
Watch VA Secretary Doug Collins respond to public concerns.
DOGE targets federal spending inefficiencies
This cancellation is just one in a broader wave of federal cutbacks led by DOGE, a newly empowered oversight body created under an executive order by President Donald Trump. Headed by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, DOGE has terminated billions in contracts deemed excessive or outdated. The VA’s website contract was labeled as one such example, part of a larger initiative to streamline federal tech operations and reduce overhead.
Layoffs and redirection of funds spark mixed reaction
DOGE’s cost-cutting reforms have reportedly saved over $4.7 billion across federal departments. At the VA, a parallel reduction in staffing—expected to affect about 1,000 employees—is projected to redirect $98 million annually into veteran care. While VA Secretary Doug Collins supports the changes as a way to improve service delivery, The Times reports growing concern among both current and former employees over service disruption and job security.
Watch VA Secretary Doug Collins respond to public concerns.
DOGE’s authority fuels ongoing debate
Though DOGE’s efforts are framed as part of a government-wide modernization plan, critics argue that the sweeping powers granted to Musk and his department pose serious risks. As detailed by Reuters, the department has gained broad control over contracting and digital infrastructure, prompting legal and ethical concerns. Despite the backlash, the administration maintains that DOGE is key to restoring accountability and efficiency in federal spending.
Whether this model leads to lasting improvements—or invites further controversy—remains to be seen.