Elon Musk’s DOGE Targets USAID: Scrutiny Over Federal Spending Intensifies

Elon Musk’s DOGE Targets USAID: Scrutiny Over Federal Spending Intensifies

On Monday, the White House unveiled a controversial list of projects managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), branding them as examples of “waste and abuse.” This came as Elon Musk and his cost-cutting team at the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) sharpen their focus on dismantling long-standing federal programs.

The Role of DOGE in Federal Oversight

Musk, designated a “special government employee” by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, heads DOGE, which, despite its name, does not function as a conventional government agency. Rather, it has been assigned by the White House to scrutinize and potentially eliminate top spending initiatives, targeting USAID as part of its mission.

Criticism of USAID’s Oversight

The White House criticized USAID, asserting, “For decades, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has evaded accountability to American taxpayers, directing large amounts of money to questionable projects orchestrated by established bureaucrats, all with minimal oversight.” This statement underscores a growing sense of urgency to reform federal spending.

Controversial Initiatives Flagged

The list revealed by the White House includes several initiatives that the Trump administration deems contentious, particularly those centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts initiated during the Biden administration. Among these, a glaring $1.5 million program aimed at enhancing DEI within Serbia’s business landscape and a $70,000 allocation for a DEI-themed musical in Ireland stood out.

Additionally, programs promoting LGBTQI initiatives were singled out as improper taxpayer expenditures. Notable entries include a $47,000 funding for a “transgender opera” in Colombia, a $32,000 budget for a “transgender comic book” in Peru, and a staggering $2 million earmarked for sex change operations and LGBTQ activism in Guatemala.

Scrutiny of Funding Sources

It is important to note that Fox News Digital could not independently validate the various initiatives detailed by the White House concerning the programs in Colombia and Guatemala. The White House’s claims relied on reports from the Daily Mail, the Daily Caller News Foundation, and other sources.

Furthermore, the White House cited initiatives initiated during Trump’s tenure as part of its transparency push, including a $6 million project from 2017-2019 supposedly aimed at boosting tourism in Egypt. However, this program’s background revealed its purpose was broader, focusing on improving access to potable water and wastewater services for communities in North Sinai.

Future of USAID in Limbo

The future of USAID hangs in the balance, as the agency’s headquarters were shuttered, leaving thousands of employees uncertain about their job security following Musk’s aggressive restructuring strategy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stepped in as acting director, voicing agreement with the White House on the necessity for significant reforms.

Rubio stated, “The president made me the acting administrator. I’ve delegated that power to a full-time individual, and we’re going to follow a similar reform process at USAID as we are at the State Department.” This commitment suggests an uphill battle ahead for the agency in terms of addressing its fiscal responsibilities and ensuring accountability.

Legal Questions and Employee Protests

Intense debates persist regarding the legality of the White House’s attempts to overhaul an independent agency. Democratic lawmakers and USAID employees gathered outside the agency’s headquarters, protesting the anticipated shutdown despite directives to stay home. Their actions underline deep concern over the agency’s fate.

In response to the protests, Rubio expressed discontent, labeling them as “rank insubordination.” He remarked, “The aim was to reform the agency, but now we face pushback. It appears that some employees believe they operate independently of government directives, posing a challenge to our efforts for accountability.”

A Transformation on the Horizon

As the White House continues its campaign to scrutinize and restructure America’s foreign aid initiatives, the impact on USAID remains to be seen. The alignment of high-profile figures like Musk in this endeavor raises critical questions about the future of federal spending and the balance between efficiency and accountability in government operations.