Schumer Says Dems Will Reverse Most Cuts From DOGE

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer signaled this week that Democrats are preparing to roll back much of the federal spending restraint implemented through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) if they regain leverage in upcoming budget negotiations.

Speaking Friday at an event hosted by the left-wing Center for American Progress, the New York Democrat outlined Democratic priorities for fiscal year 2026 appropriations, with particular focus on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) budget. Schumer made clear that Democrats intend not only to reverse DOGE-related cuts, but to expand federal spending beyond prior levels.

“If you look at the budget actually, we’re working on right now — and we’ll have the T-HUD budget, you know, transportation and HUD budget, we restore most of the cuts and even go higher than previous years on many of the programs that DOGE slashed,” Schumer said, per Breitbart News.

DOGE was established under a previous administration with a mandate to identify cost savings, eliminate waste, and improve efficiency across federal agencies. Its spending reductions quickly became a flashpoint for Democrats, who argued that the cuts disproportionately affected housing, transportation, and community development programs.

While Schumer acknowledged that the final legislative text for the THUD appropriations bill has not yet been released, he emphasized that Democrats are pressing negotiators to both undo DOGE-era reductions and secure additional taxpayer funding. He declined to specify which programs would see restored or expanded budgets, but framed the effort as part of broader negotiations over overall federal spending levels.

The minority leader also portrayed the talks as bipartisan in nature, suggesting lawmakers from both parties are working toward agreements on key appropriations measures, even as Democrats continue to oppose DOGE’s underlying cost-cutting philosophy.

Republicans, by contrast, have defended DOGE’s mission, arguing that curbing runaway federal spending is essential to controlling deficits, protecting taxpayers, and restoring accountability in Washington. Schumer’s remarks underscore concerns among conservatives that any Democratic resurgence in budget negotiations could lead to a sweeping reversal of those reforms.

DOGE itself was formally dissolved in November with eight months remaining in its mandate, according to federal officials. Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor told Reuters earlier this month that DOGE “doesn’t exist” as a “centralized entity,” signaling the initiative’s official conclusion.

High-profile departures also marked the office’s final months. Elon Musk exited his DOGE role in May after a contentious split with President Donald J. Trump, though the two have since reconciled. Vivek Ramaswamy later stepped away from DOGE to launch his campaign for governor of Ohio.

Kupor pushed back against media coverage of DOGE’s dissolution, accusing Reuters in an X post of selectively editing his remarks to produce a more sensational headline. He insisted the initiative’s principles remain firmly embedded within the Trump administration.

“The truth is: DOGE may not have centralized leadership under @USDS,” Kupor wrote on the platform. “But, the principles of DOGE remain alive and well: de-regulation; eliminating fraud, waste and abuse; re-shaping the federal workforce; making efficiency a first-class citizen; etc. DOGE catalyzed these changes; the agencies along with @USOPM and @WHOMB will institutionalize them!”

The White House echoed that message. Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston told the National News Desk that President Trump remains committed to shrinking government excess and protecting taxpayers.

“President Trump was given a clear mandate to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse across the federal government, and he continues to actively deliver on that commitment,” she said in a statement, per WGME.

Trump himself reinforced that pledge on Truth Social, tying the effort to a broader vision of limited government ahead of America’s semiquincentennial.

“Their work will conclude no later than July 4, 2026 – A smaller Government, with more efficiency and less bureaucracy, will be the perfect gift to America on the 250th Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence,” Trump wrote. “I am confident they will succeed!”

Meanwhile, DOGE has remained in the national spotlight following a violent summer attack in Washington, D.C., that left former Department of Government Efficiency employee Edward “Big Balls” Coristine severely injured. Federal prosecutors announced additional criminal charges in October against two more suspects, further intensifying public outrage over violent youth crime in the nation’s capital.