DOGE Recovers $1.9 Billion in Misallocated HUD Funds Under Biden Administration**
In a surprising revelation, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced this week that $1.9 billion in funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had been misplaced during the Biden administration. The discovery was attributed to a flawed administrative process, which has since been rectified. According to DOGE, the funds, originally designated for financial services, were no longer needed and have now been reallocated for other uses by the Treasury. The announcement was made via a post on X, accompanied by screenshots of the relevant documentation.
The recovery of these funds coincides with the establishment of a new DOGE task force at HUD, spearheaded by Secretary Turner, who was recently confirmed by the Senate. In a video shared on February 13, Turner emphasized the task force’s commitment to meticulous oversight of federal spending. “We will be very detailed and deliberate about every dollar spent in serving tribal, rural, and urban communities across America,” he stated. Turner also highlighted the administration’s broader goal of eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, noting that $260 million in savings had already been identified, with more expected in the future.
DOGE’s recent successes have not been limited to the recovery of HUD funds. On Valentine’s Day, the department celebrated another milestone by announcing significant taxpayer savings in a lighthearted poem. The verse detailed the termination of 586 wasteful contracts, amounting to $2.1 billion in ceiling value and $445 million in savings. Among the canceled projects was an $8.2 million USDA contract for environmental compliance services related to climate-smart commodities. The poem concluded with a nod to taxpayers, calling the savings a “perfect Valentine’s gift.”
In addition to its financial oversight, DOGE has taken a firm stance on educational policy. On Friday, the department issued a directive to all 50 state education departments, demanding the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs from public schools within 14 days. Failure to comply, DOGE warned, could result in the loss of federal funding. This move has sparked debate, with critics arguing that it undermines efforts to promote inclusivity in education, while supporters view it as a necessary step to curb what they see as wasteful spending.
As DOGE continues to uncover inefficiencies and implement reforms, its efforts have drawn both praise and criticism. While some applaud the department’s dedication to fiscal responsibility, others express concern over the potential impact of its policies on vulnerable communities and essential programs. Regardless of the differing perspectives, DOGE’s recent actions underscore its growing influence in shaping federal spending and policy under the current administration.