Republican-led states across the country are moving swiftly to cut the size and cost of state governments, echoing the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Washington. The trend underscores DOGE’s growing influence beyond the Beltway as states look to mirror its aggressive cost-cutting efforts.
Governors in Oklahoma and New Hampshire have used executive orders to establish DOGE-style commissions, while lawmakers in Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri are introducing legislation to create similar programs. These moves come as DOGE, a key initiative under Trump’s second administration, makes sweeping cuts to federal programs, including USAID.
DOGE’s Influence Spreads to the States
Jesse Hunt, a Republican strategist and former communications director at the Republican Governors Association, says the momentum behind these efforts is no accident.
“Politics can trickle down, and I think there is a lot of energy behind what DOGE is doing and their mission,” Hunt said. “At the state level, you’re seeing what is normal for Republican governors post-election, but in terms of branding, it’s recognizable.”
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) this week established DOGE-OK within the state’s Office of Management and Enterprise Services. Meanwhile, New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R) wasted no time in creating the state’s Commission on Government Efficiency as her first executive action.
In Texas, the state House announced plans for a Delivery of Government Efficiency Program, with a 13-member team dedicated to identifying inefficiencies in state agencies. Missouri’s Senate took a more direct approach, launching an online portal for residents to report waste, duplication, or inefficiencies in government—an initiative that closely mirrors DOGE’s mission.
And in Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) openly praised DOGE as a model for state-level governance during testimony before the House Oversight Committee. “Iowa was doing ‘DOGE’ before DOGE was a thing,” she said.
Republican Support, Democratic Opposition
While efforts to reduce government spending are nothing new for Republicans, the rapid and broad implementation of DOGE-like programs has sparked a backlash from Democrats. Critics argue the cuts are politically motivated and part of a broader strategy to align red states with Trump’s second administration.
Protests have erupted across the country in response to DOGE’s federal-level cuts, with some placing the blame on Elon Musk, who has reportedly played a significant role in spearheading the department’s initiatives. Democrats are now making opposition to DOGE a core issue heading into upcoming elections.
“Republican state legislatures are the primary vehicles making Trump’s agenda come to life, with dangerous and lasting consequences,” said Sam Paisley, interim communications director at the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. “It’s clear state Republicans are feeling more emboldened than ever to pursue the most extreme legislation possible with Trump in office, and they are using Project 2025 as the blueprint.”
Democrats Push Their Own Efficiency Efforts
Democratic governors have pushed back against the GOP’s efficiency measures, arguing that reducing bureaucracy doesn’t have to come at the cost of essential government services.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) signed an executive order in November streamlining the state’s permitting process for economic development and infrastructure projects. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) took a more dramatic approach—using a table saw last year to literally cut down a stack of what he deemed “wasteful” and “unnecessary” executive orders.
While Republicans champion their cuts as necessary and overdue, Democrats warn against an indiscriminate approach. Sarah Mogulescu, president of the Volcker Alliance, a nonprofit supporting public sector employees, emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms.
“The idea of making government more efficient and empowering public servants is something to celebrate,” Mogulescu said. “The question is, are we going to do it by thoughtfully understanding what’s possible and what’s required? Or are we going to do it impulsively?”
Is This About Governance—or Politics?
Some Democrats argue that state-level Republicans are embracing DOGE not just for its policies but as a way to win favor with the Trump administration.
“Instead of trying to suck up to Elon Musk, what you should be doing is actually trying to run your state and deliver for the people that elected you,” said Aaron Kleinman, director of research at The States Project, a left-leaning group focused on state legislative races.
Kleinman also questioned the sincerity of GOP-led oversight efforts. “Broadly, everybody is in favor of oversight and good governance, but it should be coming from people who are accountable to the states,” he said.
This strategy of aligning with Trump extends beyond government efficiency. On immigration, for example, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) convened a special legislative session to implement Trump’s border policies at the state level, while Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) empowered the state’s National Guard to make immigration arrests.
However, Republicans maintain that DOGE’s reforms were clearly telegraphed by Trump during his campaign and are simply part of a broader conservative approach to governance.
“You have a lot of good Republican governors who recognize this is something Donald Trump has embraced at the federal level, but it’s also something that should be standard for Republicans in government at any level,” Hunt said. “If you’re a Republican that isn’t focused on reducing the size of government and regulation, what are you doing?”
The Road Ahead
As DOGE reshapes the federal government, it’s clear that its influence will be felt far beyond Washington. Red states are moving quickly to align with the new administration’s priorities, and their Democratic counterparts are pushing back with alternative efficiency measures.
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