I think that's the best way to find out btw. Did the US budget increase in the last two years. If yes, Doge failed.
About your example. That is Trumpian logic. Ask for the whole of Greenland and set the goalposts. Then let them "negotiate down" to just some bases. God knows the "trim" was still unbelievably bloated from a non-relative standpoint.
Which fire department? Are you talking about doge? In your allegory, it more like: a firebomb caused 20 fires, and after a few nights, the fire department all quit, called it a 'success', flooded an area untouched by fire, and now the area have 25 fires and a flood. Also they paid themselves a bonus because of a job well done.
Which trim? Are you talking about the US balanced budget? Why is that setting goalposts? I mean, I personally don't care about a balanced budget, but budget hawks do, and doing it without reducing social aid seems like a good goalpost to have, no? Should we move them? If so, where?
If you don't understand my second point I can't help you.