HUD Secretary Cancels $4 Million in DEI Contracts Following DOGE Task Force Report

The Department of Housing and Urban Development, commonly known as HUD, is set to terminate $4 million in contracts focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The announcement came from Secretary Scott Turner during an exclusive interview on Fox News.

Turner disclosed the decision on Thursday, revealing it follows the establishment of the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency task force. This task force has identified an impressive $260 million in potential savings.

Secretary Turner’s Commitment to Efficiency

During his appearance on the program “Fox & Friends,” Turner asserted, “We are working hard, and we will cut $4 million in DEI-focused contracts.” He emphasized that the goal is to redirect these funds back to serve the needs of the American public, stating unequivocally, “so DEI here at HUD is dead.”

The canceled contracts previously aimed at initiatives related to cultural transformation and outward mindset thinking, including various subscription services. This abrupt shift raises questions about the future of DEI initiatives within HUD as the agency evolves.

The Role of the DOGE Task Force

Last week, Turner announced the formation of the DOGE task force as part of President Donald Trump’s broader executive order designed to enhance governmental efficiency and combat waste, fraud, and abuse within HUD. The initiative specifically seeks to maximize productivity and eliminate unnecessary expenditures.

Guided by prominent figures, including business magnate Elon Musk, the DOGE task force has presented remarkable findings. They reported the recovery of approximately $1.9 billion in funds that had reportedly been mismanaged or overlooked during the prior administration. These recovered funds were initially earmarked for the administration of financial services but were deemed unnecessary and are now reallocated for use by the Treasury Department.

Implications of the Change

Turner explained that the funds, intended to support essential administrative services, were mismanaged during the previous administration. He stated, “When you don’t use those funds, they don’t just roll over to the next year. You are required to inform the Department of Treasury that these funds are now available for other federal expenditures, and that did not happen.”

Describing the situation as “great mismanagement and negligence” on the part of the Biden administration, Turner made his position clear. He believes that the previous handling of budgetary items has negatively impacted HUD’s ability to operate effectively and meet current demands.

The Fallout From the Cancellations

In response to Turner’s announcement, three civil rights nonprofit organizations have initiated legal action against the Trump administration. They argue that the cutting of federal grants labeled as DEI, particularly those managed by HUD, significantly hinders their efforts to promote civil rights and fulfill their organizational missions.

Turner, who is named among the defendants in the lawsuit, faces scrutiny over these actions. The implications could resonate beyond HUD, potentially affecting relations between government agencies and advocacy organizations.

A Shifting Landscape for DEI Initiatives

The decisions made by the Trump administration signal a dramatic shift in how diversity, equity, and inclusion are approached within federal programs. Advocates for DEI initiatives voice concerns that the cancellation of funding could lead to a regression in civil rights advancements.

While Turner positions these changes as necessary for restoring efficiency, critics argue that they undermine essential work aimed at fostering inclusivity and equality within communities. The broader implications of these contract terminations may be felt for years to come.

The Coming Future of HUD

As Secretary Turner implements these significant changes, the future of HUD’s projects remains uncertain. If the current trajectory continues, the agency may pivot entirely away from DEI initiatives.

The establishment of the DOGE task force indicates that the emphasis on fiscal responsibility will take center stage moving forward. The results of the ongoing legal battles, combined with the political environment, will likely influence how HUD’s mission evolves in response to these recent developments.

As this story unfolds, stakeholders from various sectors will be watching closely. The tension between efficiency and social responsibility is at the heart of this discussion, reflecting broader societal debates regarding government spending and its implications for diverse communities.

Fox News’ Dierdre Harvey contributed to this report.