Arizona State Representative Alexander Kolodin, a member of the Republican Party, recently utilized the platform X to reveal several budget cuts that the state is considering as part of its initiative known as the “Department Of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). This initiative follows President-elect Donald Trump’s directive to tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Elon Musk to suggest reductions aimed at curbing the extensive waste and expanding bureaucracy of the federal government. The term “DOGE” was coined by Musk.

Following the November elections, Republicans have strengthened their position in the Arizona legislature by securing two additional State House seats. Arizona delivered President-elect Trump his most significant margin of victory among swing states, particularly after his narrow defeat in 2020. The influence of Trump on down-ballot races, coupled with the voter mobilization efforts led by Arizona resident Charlie Kirk through Turning Point USA, significantly contributed to the empowerment of state Republicans.

Shortly after Trump announced the establishment of DOGE, Arizona Republicans took formal steps to create a similar committee focused on state matters. Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen emphasized that, in contrast to the federal DOGE, which serves as an unofficial advisory body without legislative authority, Arizona’s committee was not established by the Executive Branch. The Arizona DOGE committee, chaired by State Senator Shawnna Bolick, will leverage the legislative powers of the state to concentrate on proposed legislation and recommended budget cuts.