Despite Pledges to Cut Spending, Trump’s Return Sees $220 Billion Surge in Federal Costs

President Donald Trump’s return to the White House has brought a sharp rise in federal spending—up $220 billion compared to the same period in 2024—despite his campaign promises to slash government costs, according to a new analysis by CBS News.

The increase contradicts Trump’s vow to rein in federal expenditures. Early in his term, he created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appointing tech billionaire Elon Musk as its head. The administration claims the agency has saved $170 billion, but those figures have yet to be independently verified.

Where the Money’s Going

The rise in spending has been driven by several major areas:

• Medicare and Social Security

• Military and veterans’ programs

• Interest payments on national debt

• Agricultural subsidies

• Immigration enforcement, which includes a reported 350 deportation flights—costing up to $27,000 per hour—with an annual program cost that could reach $88 billion.

Fewer Workers, Bigger Budget

At the same time, the administration has slashed the federal workforce in several departments, particularly in education, as part of an effort to streamline operations and eliminate what Trump calls “bureaucratic fat.”

Mixed Messages on Spending

The CBS analysis highlights a growing disconnect between the administration’s cost-cutting rhetoric and actual budget numbers. While the White House insists that long-term savings will emerge from current reforms, early spending data suggests a different story: government expenditures are going up, not down.

As Trump’s term unfolds, critics and policy experts remain skeptical about whether his administration can meet its fiscal promises while pursuing costly policy changes.