Federal Spending Sees Increase in First 100 Days of 2025 Despite Cost-Cutting Pledges
A recent analysis of federal expenditures during the first 100 days of 2025 shows a notable increase in government spending compared to the same period the year before. According to data reviewed by CBS News, overall federal expenditures rose by approximately $220 billion, despite previous pledges by the current administration to significantly reduce government costs.
Spending Trends vs. Efficiency Goals
The administration entered office in January 2025 with a public commitment to trim federal expenses and improve operational efficiency across government agencies. A new department, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was established with the stated mission of identifying waste and streamlining operations. The department has reported an estimated $170 billion in savings through efforts such as asset sales, contract reductions, and fraud elimination—though these claims have yet to be independently verified.
Where the Money Is Going
The CBS News report outlines key areas where spending has increased compared to the same timeframe in 2024:
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Medicare and Social Security: The largest increases were found in entitlement programs, attributed to demographic shifts and updated program formulas.
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Defense: National defense spending saw a significant rise, aligning with priorities to strengthen military capabilities.
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Veterans Affairs: Additional investments have been directed toward programs supporting veterans and their families.
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Debt Service: Higher interest rates and an expanding national debt have raised the cost of interest payments on government borrowing.
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Agricultural Programs: The Department of Agriculture received increased funding for rural development and support initiatives.
Government Restructuring and Workforce Changes
Efforts to reduce costs have included staff cuts and department overhauls. Some government offices, particularly within the education sector, experienced layoffs as part of broader restructuring plans. The administration has stated that these changes are designed to improve efficiency by eliminating what it describes as redundant or unnecessary roles.
Immigration Operations Drive Additional Costs
Another area of rising expenditure has been immigration enforcement. According to government sources, more than 350 deportation flights were conducted in the early months of 2025, contributing to increased spending. ICE Air Operations reports that chartered removal flights can cost between $8,500 and $27,000 per hour, depending on risk level and logistics. Broader estimates suggest the total cost of expanded enforcement could approach $88 billion annually when accounting for detention, legal processing, and infrastructure.
Infrastructure Demands
The scale of immigration operations may require significant expansion of detention centers and immigration courts. Policy analysts have estimated that reaching the stated enforcement goals would require major investments in new facilities and personnel, with implications for future budgets.
Balancing Policy and Budget Pressures
While early spending figures reflect the challenges of implementing new initiatives, they also raise questions about the feasibility of achieving both ambitious policy goals and long-term cost reductions. Much of the federal budget consists of mandatory spending—such as healthcare, pensions, and debt payments—that cannot be easily adjusted without legislative changes.
Looking Ahead
Observers suggest it will take time to determine whether the increased expenditures are temporary costs tied to new policies or signs of a longer-term shift in fiscal priorities. Oversight agencies and independent auditors are expected to continue reviewing the government’s financial management as the year progresses.
In the coming months, updated budget data and independent evaluations may offer a clearer picture of how cost-saving goals are being met—or whether new strategies will be required to rein in spending while maintaining program effectiveness.