CNN Stunned as Public Pounds Hard for DOGE Spending Cuts!

CNN was left reeling after fresh polling data revealed surprising public support for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its aggressive budget cuts. Despite weeks of backlash from Democrats and media criticism, a new CBS/YouGov poll showed that a majority of Americans want DOGE—led by tech billionaire Elon Musk—to have a say in government spending.

According to the poll, 54% of Americans believe Musk and DOGE should play at least some role in managing federal expenses. The findings caught CNN’s Harry Enten off guard, leading to an animated on-air reaction.

“This, to me, was one of the more shocking figures that I saw. It made me go, ‘wait a minute, hold on one second! Whoa!’” Enten exclaimed, clearly taken aback by the results.

The numbers suggest that despite fierce opposition from Democratic leaders and progressive activists, a solid majority of Americans back DOGE’s cost-cutting measures. Even more striking, the poll revealed that many Americans also support President Donald Trump’s efforts to downsize government agencies.

CNN anchor Kate Bolduan, trying to make sense of the data, asked Enten, “What do they [Americans] believe they’re [DOGE] actually cutting?”

A separate Washington Post/IPSOS survey of registered voters shed some light on that question. According to the poll, 42% of respondents believe DOGE is eliminating “wasteful” spending, while only 36% think necessary programs are being slashed. The gap suggests that despite Democratic attempts to paint DOGE’s actions as reckless, the public largely sees the agency’s efforts as a crackdown on government excess.

Enten highlighted this contrast, noting that the messaging war over DOGE’s impact has not gone in Democrats’ favor.

“Democrats want to argue that the type of spending that Musk is cutting is mainly necessary programs, but that comes in at just 36%. The wasteful spending actually wins the plurality here, at 42%,” Enten stated.

He went on to explain that the perception of Musk and DOGE as fiscal watchdogs, rather than reckless budget slashers, is likely driving their strong public support.

“I think that is the reason why you see that when it comes to Musk and DOGE, you see, in fact, the majority believe he should have some influence, because they believe, the plurality believe that he is cutting wasteful spending. Not necessary programs that Democrats are arguing,” Enten added.

The data comes as DOGE continues its push for a historic $1 trillion reduction in federal spending. During a recent cabinet meeting, Musk reassured President Trump and fellow officials that the department was well on its way to achieving that target.

Despite the protests and political firestorm surrounding DOGE’s budget cuts, the polls tell a different story—one that suggests Americans may be more willing to embrace fiscal discipline than many in Washington expected. With the numbers on his side, Musk seems poised to continue reshaping the government’s financial priorities, whether his critics like it or not.