The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk under the Trump administration, has axed five U.S. Census Bureau surveys it labeled “wasteful,” citing $16.5 million in costs.
In a post on X, DOGE said the cuts targeted surveys it claims are outdated and largely ignored, pointing to questions on alcohol use and internet habits as examples of government excess.
The group is currently reviewing all 102 non-decennial surveys conducted by the Census Bureau, which together cost $2.2 billion. However, the Associated Press reports DOGE may be bypassing legal procedures required to alter or cancel federal surveys.
Critics warn the move could undermine essential data collection, while supporters say it’s a necessary step in trimming bureaucratic bloat. The Census Bureau has not confirmed which surveys were eliminated but said it is cooperating with the review. DOGE has not disclosed whether further cuts are imminent.
