DOGE Cuts Target Iconic Jersey Shore Attraction

MARGATE CITY, NJ — Interior renovations at what was recently named America's favorite roadside attraction by USA Today are being threatened by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Back in April, the Elon Musk-headed agency announced that among their cuts was $500,000 in discretionary funds from Sen. Cory Booker intended for renovating Lucy the Elephant, an icon of the Jersey Shore.

"All of us at Lucy — as well as Senator Booker — are stunned by the sudden breach of contract, which would have funded most of the cost of our long-planned and much-needed interior restoration, including the installation of a new state-of-the-art fire suppression system inside Lucy," Lucy's Executive Director Richard Helfant said in a statement when the news was first announced.

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Since then, a grassroots effort to raise the lost money has generated $8,000 in donations, according to Action News.

The impact of the loss hasn't been felt yet, so Lucy has time to recoup the half-million dollars, according to Philly Voice. Helfant will seek another grant through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and plan a series of fundraisers, the outlet reported.

Renovations won't begin until a separate new gift shop is near completion, and construction won't even begin on that until September, the Philly Voice reported.

Lucy the Elephant was built in 1881 to attract people to Margate. Since then, she's survived demolition and gone through renovations thanks to public support.

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