Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) just slashed millions in federal waste by axing unused software licenses. Since February, DOGE audits have exposed agencies like the IRS, DOL, and SEC squandering taxpayer dollars on idle subscriptions. This is what real accountability looks like.

DOGE, under Musk’s leadership, saved over $5 million annually by canceling licenses that gathered digital dust across multiple agencies, Breitbart News reported. The effort targeted bloated software budgets, revealing a culture of unchecked spending in Washington. Bureaucrats might clutch their pearls, but taxpayers are cheering.

Audits began in February, with DOGE meticulously combing through agency expenditures. The findings, shared via an X post and reported by Fox News, showed agencies hoarding licenses far beyond their needs. It’s a classic case of government bloat run amok.

Uncovering Wasteful Software Spending

The IRS, for instance, held 3,000 Visio licenses but used only 25. DOGE canceled 99% of the surplus, saving a chunk of the $5 million. Some agencies think “efficiency” is just a buzzword.

The Department of Labor wasn’t far behind, cutting 68% of its unused project planning software licenses. These weren’t small potatoes—each cancellation chipped away at a mountain of wasteful spending. DOGE’s precision here deserves a nod.

The SEC, meanwhile, was using just 22% of its remote desktop software, with 78% sitting idle. DOGE promptly axed the excess, contributing to the millions saved. It’s almost like agencies forgot how to count.

Elon Musk’s Leadership Impact

“Agencies often have more software licenses than employees,” DOGE stated, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. Their audits, running since February, prove waste isn’t just a bug—it’s a feature of federal spending. Time to rethink that autopilot budget.

Musk, who joined President Donald Trump’s administration to lead DOGE, didn’t just talk the talk. He faced death threats and a personal financial hit, with his stock holdings dropping tens of billions. Yet, he kept swinging at Washington’s sacred cows.

“As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,” Musk said. His four-month stint, unpaid, was a masterclass in public service. Most would’ve buckled under the pressure.

Savings And Sacrifices Highlighted

The DOGE website claims an estimated $175 billion in total savings, though the $5 million from software cuts is a focused win. These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re proof that someone finally cared enough to act. Musk’s departure leaves big shoes to fill.

Sen. Ted Cruz, on Fox News’ “Hannity,” praised Musk’s efforts. “I think the American people ought to be saying to Elon, ‘thank you, thank you, thank you,’” Cruz said. He’s not wrong—Musk’s sacrifice was a rare act of principle.

Cruz noted Musk “didn’t collect a salary, made nothing” while enduring massive personal costs. The senator’s point stings: Washington’s elite rarely face such stakes. Musk’s stock losses and threats underscore his commitment.

A Legacy Of Efficiency

“He rooted out massive waste, fraud, and abuse,” Cruz added, emphasizing Musk’s impact. The senator’s admiration reflects a broader truth: DOGE’s work is a wake-up call for a complacent system. Let’s hope the momentum holds.

Musk’s exit as a Special Government Employee marks the end of a bold chapter. Yet, DOGE’s mission, as Musk noted, “will only strengthen over time.” That’s a promise worth holding onto.

The $5 million saved is just a start, but it’s a loud one. Agencies now know someone’s watching, and taxpayers deserve that scrutiny. Actions, as DOGE proved, have consequences.