Janice R. Andrews
In a groundbreaking development, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has successfully recovered $1.8 billion in misplaced funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds, initially earmarked for financial services, were reportedly lost due to a “broken process” during the Biden administration.
DOGE announced the recovery on its official X account, crediting newly confirmed HUD Secretary Scott Turner for his collaboration in resolving the issue. The funds, now de-obligated, are available for reallocation by the Treasury. This recovery marks a significant step in DOGE’s ongoing mission to streamline government spending and eliminate waste.
Task Force to Maximize HUD’s Budget
Secretary Turner revealed plans to establish a task force within HUD, comprising agency employees, to ensure efficient use of resources. In a video posted to his X account, Turner emphasized the task force’s focus on serving tribal, rural, and urban communities across America. The initiative has already identified an additional $260 million in savings, though specifics on the impacted programs remain undisclosed.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential fallout from these spending cuts. Anonymous HUD employees told NPR that the administration plans to lay off half of the agency’s staff. Antonio Gaines, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 222, warned that programs addressing homelessness, affordable housing, and civil rights enforcement could face significant cuts.
DOGE’s Broader Impact on Federal Spending
The recovery of HUD funds is part of a larger effort by DOGE to slash government spending across multiple agencies. Under an executive order from former President Donald Trump, DOGE has targeted departments such as Education, the IRS, and the Pentagon.
At the Department of Education, DOGE cut $982 million, primarily from contracts with the Institute of Education Sciences and grants promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Similarly, DOGE agents recently evaluated IRS spending, though Trump assured that the department would not be closed.
The Pentagon has also welcomed DOGE’s scrutiny. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed support for cutting climate change programs, stating that the Department of Defense’s primary focus is “deterring and winning wars.”
Tracking the Savings
DOGE has introduced a public live tracker to monitor spending cuts, which currently shows savings of $48.37 billion—approximately $322 per taxpayer. While the tracker is maintained by DOGE agents and not considered official data, it underscores the department’s commitment to transparency.
Mixed Reactions
While the Trump administration has praised DOGE’s efforts, critics argue that the cuts could disproportionately affect federal employees and essential programs. The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program, for instance, appears to be targeted for cancellation, raising concerns about the long-term impact on housing and environmental initiatives.
As DOGE continues its mission to reduce government waste, the debate over the balance between fiscal responsibility and social responsibility remains unresolved. For now, the recovery of $1.8 billion serves as a testament to the department’s efficiency—and a reminder of the challenges ahead.
The DailyMail.com has reached out to HUD for further details but has yet to receive a response.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s DOGE has once again made headlines with its latest recovery of misplaced funds. While the $1.8 billion savings is a win for fiscal conservatives, the broader implications of these spending cuts remain a topic of heated debate. As the task force begins its work at HUD, all eyes will be on how these changes impact communities and federal programs across the nation.
