Partnership for Public Service releases new resources measuring the impact of President Trump’s federal government reforms during first 100 days 

April 29, 2025

New “Cost of DOGE” initiative aims to inform the public and policymakers about the ongoing harms of recent federal government cuts  

WASHINGTON – The nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service today published two new resources examining how the public has been impacted by the Trump administration’s widespread federal government cuts during its first 100 days in office. 

Results of new public polling found that a majority of Americans believe that the Trump administration’s changes to the federal government’s workforce will have a negative impact on the American people, and that management of the federal government is headed in the wrong direction (57% and 58%, respectively). The survey of 1,200 U.S. adults across the political spectrum was fielded between April 18–20, 2025, and other key findings include: 

• Overall, 55% of Americans think the federal government is operating worse today than a year ago, compared with only 26% who say it is better. 

• Views on the impact of the Trump administration’s changes to the federal government vary sharply by political affiliation. Seventy-one percent of Republicans believe these actions will have a positive impact on the American people, compared to only 8% of Democrats and 15% of independents.  

• Republicans are generally optimistic about the direction of the federal government. More than two thirds believe the management of the government is heading in the right direction right now, and 60% believe the government is operating better than it was a year ago. 

• Conversely, Democrats and independents are pessimistic about the direction of the federal government. Eighty-nine percent of Democrats and 67% of independents believe the management of the government is heading in the wrong direction, and 88% of Democrats and 52% of independents believe the government is operating worse now than it was a year ago.  

To accompany this data, the Partnership also published a new interactive series titled “100 Harms in 100 Days.” The series features stories from around the country to illustrate the cumulative impact of the Trump administration’s federal workforce cuts at the community, sector and individual level. These harms were compiled from a collection of news stories around the country since January 20. Prominent examples include: 

• The Department of Agriculture slashed more than $1 billion from two initiatives that supported food programs throughout the country, leaving food banks, school systems and local farmers reeling. 

• Layoffs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention resulted in the shut down of work at the only facility in the country that can test and track the spread of viral hepatitis outbreaks that kill thousands of Americans every year. 

• Teams of Food and Drug Administration scientists monitoring medical devices ranging from pathogen tests to AI cancer detection software to diabetes monitors and brain implants experienced major staff cuts, leaving remaining staff worried that the safety of devices could be compromised. 

The resources released today are the first offerings in a new, ongoing “Cost of DOGE” campaign by the Partnership in response to the Trump administration’s continued efforts to reshape federal institutions and spending priorities through its Department of Government Efficiency, better known as DOGE. The project will provide policymakers, the media, and the American people with credible, accessible resources that highlight the risks and tangible impacts of DOGE’s actions in the months ahead. More details about the project will follow in the coming weeks. 

“This data shows just how catastrophic the Trump administration’s first 100 days have been for services to the American people, taxpayer value and effective government, said Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service. “We need a more effective government, but this administration is taking us so far in exactly the wrong direction. Through our ‘Cost of DOGE’ campaign, we are committed to capturing the long-term harm these misguided policies will have on the federal workforce, public institutions and the American people.”    

During the past 24 years, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has been dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We work across administrations to help transform the way government works by providing agencies with the data insights they need to succeed, developing effective leaders, inspiring the next generation to public service, facilitating smooth presidential transitions and recognizing exceptional federal employees.  

Visit ourpublicservice.org, follow us @PublicService and subscribe today to get the latest federal news, information on upcoming Partnership programs and events, and more.       

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