DOGE Pushes to Slash $1.8 Billion in Promotional Waste

Senate DOGE Caucus targets $1.8 billion in government spending on promotional items, aiming to cut costs on everything from stuffed animals to comic books.

Quick Takes

The SWAG Act aims to restrict federal funds for public relations gimmicks and non-essential advertising items.
Federal PR budgets have more than doubled from $780 million to $1.8 billion annually between 2018 and 2023.
The bill would defund mascots not authorized by Congress, sparing only those like Smokey the Bear.
Affected items include promotional blankets, buttons, clothing, coloring books, and more.

Senate DOGE Caucus Takes Aim at Wasteful Spending

In a move to curb government waste, the Senate Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus, led by Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), has reintroduced legislation aimed at slashing nearly $2 billion in taxpayer money spent on promotional items for federal agencies. The Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government (SWAG) Act targets expenditures on agency mascots, fidget spinners, coloring books, koozies, and other items deemed as unnecessary propaganda.

DOGE goes after $1.8 billion 'propaganda' fund for mascots, comic books and candy https://t.co/pyqCYvfV5z pic.twitter.com/7TII6RESew

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) January 23, 2025

The initiative comes in response to a significant increase in discretionary advertising spending by federal agencies. According to a study by RebuildLocalNews, this spending has ballooned to $1.8 billion annually, more than doubling from $780 million in 2018. This surge in promotional budgets has caught the attention of fiscal conservatives who see it as a prime target for cost-cutting measures.

Targeting Non-Essential Items

The SWAG Act takes aim at a wide range of items that Ernst and her colleagues consider non-essential. These include agency mascots, stuffed animals, candy, blankets, comic books, and even jar grip openers. The bill would specifically defund mascots not approved by Congress, potentially affecting characters like the Department of Agriculture’s “Vin Vasive” and the Department of Homeland Security’s “Agent Teddy” and “Tracker.”

“You might mistake Washington for a very expensive kid’s birthday party, with federal employees playing dress up, appearing as mascots, and making coloring books,” Ernst stated, highlighting the extent of what she sees as frivolous spending.

However, the bill does make exceptions for iconic, congressionally approved mascots such as Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl, recognizing their long-standing roles in public service announcements.

Accountability and Fiscal Responsibility

The SWAG Act goes beyond just cutting spending on promotional items. It also requires government staff to track the return on investment for advertising programs, introducing a measure of accountability to federal promotional efforts. This provision aims to ensure that any remaining advertising expenditures can be justified by their effectiveness.

“I am going to crash the party and bag this costly swag. Misbehaving bureaucrats need to stop wasting tax dollars trying to refurbish their bad reputation, and focus on serving the American people,” Ernst declared, emphasizing her commitment to fiscal responsibility.

The initiative is part of a broader plan supported by former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk to reduce wasteful government spending. It reflects a growing concern among conservatives about the expansion of federal budgets and the need for more efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Looking Ahead

As the SWAG Act moves through the legislative process, it’s likely to face scrutiny from both supporters and critics. Proponents argue that it’s a necessary step to rein in unnecessary government spending and refocus federal agencies on their core missions. Critics may contend that some promotional materials serve important educational or public service functions.

Regardless of the outcome, the SWAG Act and the efforts of the Senate DOGE Caucus have brought attention to an area of government spending that often flies under the radar. As taxpayers and policymakers alike grapple with questions of fiscal responsibility, the debate over promotional spending is likely to continue, potentially sparking broader discussions about government efficiency and the allocation of public resources.