DOGE News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

DRAUGHON DRAWS: The fruit of State Auditor Boliek's labors

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026-- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist

Privatize NC's liquor sales? Leader of DOGE-style group wants to explore the cost

Members of the state House of Representatives' committee on government efficiency grilled the leader of the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, pressing him on the benefits of state-controlled liquor.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

NC lawmakers' version of DOGE to meet, pushing for greater government efficiency

North Carolina's effort to copy Elon Musk's DOGE group have been less aggressive and more bipartisan so far.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

NC lawmakers send 'mini budget' and DOGE-style plan to Stein

Public schools, universities and the State Health Plan would get funding for continuing operations under a mini budget, while lawmakers remain at an impasse over a full state budget plan. The bill also contained a provision to create a government efficiency program to be run by the state auditor.

WRAL News staff reports

NC Republicans expand powers of state auditor with help from Democrat

Republican legislators, along with Democratic state Rep. Shelley Willingham, voted to override Gov. Josh Stein's veto of a bill that expands the powers of State Auditor Dave Boliek, a Republican. A related bill is poised for a vote Wednesday.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

Duke prepares for more voluntary layoffs; employees call for transparency

Duke University prepares for more voluntary layoffs amid federal funding cuts. WRAL looks at what employees are now asking top earners at the school to do to help.

Duke prepares for more layoffs, employees call for transparency

Duke University is preparing for more voluntary layoffs, and the possibility of involuntary separations throughout the summer.

We got DOGE'd: Cuts to federal programs that fund innovation risk US world leadership long-term

The federal government’s role is not to chase quarterly returns. It is to invest in generational outcomes. Slashing investments for ideological reasons is shortsighted. And the damage may not be reversible.

Fact-checking Donald Trump as DOGE adviser Elon Musk leaves White House

In a May 30 Oval Office press conference, President Donald Trump heaped praise on Elon Musk as the billionaire businessman ends his limited advisory role with the Trump-created Department of Government Efficiency.

PolitiFact staff

Federal cuts could change your next trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

North Carolina's biggest tourist attraction has been hit by federal layoffs, from closed campgrounds to fewer emergency responders. WRAL Investigates if DOGE cuts could ruin your family's vacation.

Critical construction stalls after federal funding cuts impact NCDHHS

The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health director stated that federal funding cuts are endangering the state's ability to respond to public health crises.

Federal funding cuts threaten NC's public health crisis response, director says

The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health director stated that federal funding cuts are endangering the state's ability to respond to public health crises.

Trump approval falls in North Carolina as voters fret about tariffs' impact on economy

President Donald Trump's tariff announcements are prompting North Carolinians to worry more about the economy and the future of the nation, according to a new poll from Meredith College.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

Staff cuts, tax cuts and NC's own DOGE in latest budget proposal

State Auditor Dave Boliek would be empowered to take on an effort to cut state spending similar to Elon Musk's DOGE program under Donald Trump, in a new state budget plan from NC Senate Republicans.

NC Senate looks to copy Trump, DOGE in new state budget plan

State Auditor Dave Boliek would be empowered to take on an effort to cut state spending similar to Elon Musk's DOGE program under Donald Trump, in a new state budget plan from NC Senate Republicans.

DOGE in NC? Hundreds of state jobs to be eliminated in NC Senate budget plan that prioritizes tax cuts

Under a new state budget plan from NC Senate Republicans, State Auditor Dave Boliek would be empowered to take on an effort to cut state spending similar to Elon Musk's DOGE program under Donald Trump.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

State auditor could probe nonprofits, private businesses under bill advancing in NC legislature

Senate lawmakers also approved a measure that would instruct State Auditor Dave Boliek to recommend cuts to state government agencies, taking a page from the federal DOGE effort.

Paul Specht, WRAL state government reporter

Protestors across Triangle call for government to keep "Hands Off"

"Hands Off" protests were held across the nation and right here in the Triangle. Demonstrators demanding "Hands Off" following new policies by Trump administration.

Federal cuts, NC tax cuts leave legislators wrestling with how to solve projected deficit

Proposed federal cuts could mean billions in losses for North Carolina. As state lawmakers write a new budget, they're balancing the uncertainty of federal funding alongside lost revenue from planned state tax cuts.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Trump brings best Constitutional crisis ever!

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

In Depth with Dan: Examining federal cuts between Trump and Clinton administrations

WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty examines federal cuts between the Trump and Clinton administrations.

Berger wants State Auditor to recommend cuts to North Carolina government

A new bill filed by Senate Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, would allow the auditor to say whether an agency or division should be eliminated entirely.

WRAL News

NC looks to capitalize on Trump, DOGE efforts to fire federal workers

North Carolina military bases, Forest Service outposts, Veterans Administration hospitals, Social Security offices and Research Triangle Park's massive Environmental Protection Agency's lab employ thousands of federal workers who could soon be fired. Gov. Josh Stein wants them to move to state government.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Trump faithful duck voters' disdain for DOGE

Monday, March 17, 2025 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

Fact check: Is Elon Musk's DOGE 'very popular'?

"I wonder out loud how much DOGE budget cutting will be in this speech, because actually it's polling very well," Fox News commentator Larry Kudlow said March 4. "It's very popular."

Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact reporter