Since August 22, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has canceled several government contracts and grants, resulting in more than $30 million in savings for taxpayers. The total amount saved is reported as $31,692,166 from de-obligated contracts and grants. This action follows an initiative ordered by President Trump to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse across the federal government.
Secretary Noem's approach has focused on reducing the size of government and cutting spending at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to DHS statements, these efforts have saved taxpayers over $12 billion during her first 200 days in office. The department states that these reductions have occurred alongside increased activities in law enforcement, border security, and immigration enforcement.
“In just three weeks, Secretary Noem has saved the taxpayer more than $30 million. That’s more than $1 million per DAY,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, it is no longer open season on the American taxpayer at DHS. The Trump administration is draining the swamp, restoring accountability to the federal government, and putting hardworking Americans FIRST again.”
Secretary Noem reviews and approves all DHS contracts exceeding $100,000. According to department figures, this policy has led to daily taxpayer savings of about $50 million since she began her term on January 25, 2025. Officials note that this process continues despite criticism from some media outlets and Washington officials.
The announced savings do not include additional amounts attributed to changes in immigration enforcement since President Trump returned to office. Estimates from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) put the annual net cost of illegal immigration at all levels of government at roughly $150.7 billion as of early 2023 (https://www.fairus.org/issue/publications-resources/fiscal-burden-illegal-immigration-united-states-taxpayers-2023). On average, this equates to nearly $8,776 per undocumented immigrant or their U.S.-born children each year. FAIR also reports that a reduction of about 1.6 million undocumented individuals has contributed an extra $14 billion in yearly cost savings.
