The Department of Veterans Affairs recently axed a jaw-dropping $56,000 contract that would have paid for watering just eight plants over five years. This decision came after public scrutiny revealed the deal’s outrageous cost—roughly $1,400 per plant annually. In a surprising twist, the Department of Government Efficiency, commonly known as DOGE, has volunteered to handle the task at no cost to taxpayers, shining a spotlight on government waste and sparking fresh debate over federal spending priorities.
The now-canceled contract was set to run through 2030, with a private company tasked with tending to a handful of plants at a VA facility. That works out to about $11,200 per year—or $935 a month—for what many see as a basic chore. Critics quickly pointed out that the price tag could have funded far more pressing needs, like veterans’ healthcare or benefits processing. The VA, which oversees a budget exceeding $350 billion annually, has faced growing pressure to trim fat amid rising costs and demands for better services.
DOGE, a new player in the Trump administration’s push to streamline government operations, seized the moment. Led by high-profile figures like Elon Musk, the department aims to slash inefficiencies across federal agencies. By offering to water the plants for free, DOGE not only saved the VA a hefty sum but also scored a public relations win. The move aligns with its broader mission to redirect funds toward core priorities—think medical care and veterans’ support—rather than what some call frivolous expenses.
The VA’s decision to ditch the contract didn’t come out of nowhere. It follows a wave of contract reviews sparked by DOGE’s aggressive cost-cutting campaign. Just weeks ago, the VA paused plans to terminate hundreds of other deals worth billions after backlash from lawmakers and veterans’ groups, who worried about disruptions to critical services like cancer care and equipment inspections. This time, though, the plant-watering fiasco offered a clear-cut example of excess that few could defend.
Taxpayers and veterans alike have cheered the cancellation, though some question how such a contract was approved in the first place. The VA has stayed mum on the specifics, but insiders suggest it slipped through as part of a larger facilities maintenance package. DOGE’s intervention has fueled calls for more transparency and accountability, with advocates arguing that every dollar should go toward helping those who served rather than padding unnecessary vendor payouts.
Looking ahead, this small victory could signal bigger changes. DOGE’s role in the VA’s plant-watering saga hints at its growing influence—and its knack for turning obscure budget lines into headlines. As the department digs deeper into the VA’s roughly 90,000 contracts, worth over $67 billion, more cuts may loom. For now, eight plants will thrive without breaking the bank, and taxpayers can breathe a little easier knowing someone’s finally minding the store.
