The newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has made a significant impact in its first 10 days of operation by reducing federal spending. DOGE has successfully terminated 85 contracts related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), saving nearly $1 billion across several federal agencies. The cuts affect 24 different agencies, including the Departments of Education, Labor, Treasury, Defense, USDA, Homeland Security, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
DOGE’s announcement on X detailed that by January 29, 2025, these 85 DEIA contracts were terminated across various departments, including the Department of Education, GSA, OPM, EPA, and more. This initiative aligns with the directives of President Trump’s Executive Order on Government Efficiency, which was signed on Inauguration Day. The executive order created DOGE to streamline government operations, cut wasteful spending, and tackle bureaucratic inefficiencies. One of the main focuses of the order was to eliminate redundant diversity initiatives.
DOGE, which succeeded the U.S. Digital Service, is tasked with modernizing federal operations and eliminating inefficient programs. Its swift action in cutting DEIA-related contracts highlights its commitment to curbing unnecessary government expenditures and improving efficiency. Among the agencies impacted by the cuts, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) saw the largest reductions, with nearly $500 million in canceled contracts. The Department of Agriculture also faced significant cuts, totaling over $110 million. Other agencies with notable savings include:
- Department of Homeland Security: $14.9 million
- Department of Health and Human Services: $28.1 million
- Department of Labor: $7.8 million
- Department of Treasury: $25.2 million
- Environmental Protection Agency: $3 million
- Department of Education: $3.8 million
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): $45 million
As part of the broader initiative outlined in the executive order, DOGE will continue its efforts to identify and eliminate wasteful contracts for the next 18 months. A special task force, known as the U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization, will oversee these ongoing reforms, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently.
President Trump established DOGE through an executive order, appointing Elon Musk as its administrator. Though the name “Department of Government Efficiency” implies a federal executive department, DOGE is technically a temporary organization operating under the United States DOGE Service, which was formerly known as the United States Digital Service. The department’s main goal is to modernize federal technology, improve software systems, and enhance the efficiency of government functions.
In a related move, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that 60 employees focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives were placed on administrative leave. VA spokesperson Morgan Ackley explained that the department is shifting its priorities back to its core mission: providing high-quality care and benefits to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Ackley emphasized that the VA is focusing on improving services for Veterans by moving away from divisive DEI policies.
This decision is part of a broader trend of refocusing federal agencies on their essential missions, with many departments reevaluating the role of DEI initiatives in their operations. The move is also seen as a way to ensure that critical resources are directed toward core services, rather than being diverted by non-essential programs. The realignment marks a clear departure from the focus on DEI that has been widely criticized for misdirecting resources and attention away from the primary responsibilities of government agencies.
