WASHINGTON, D.C. — HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced decisive steps to eliminate wasteful spending and redirect millions of taxpayer dollars towards programs that impact American communities. On Thursday, February 20, Turner revealed the cancellation of $4 million in contracts linked to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) initiatives, marking a key milestone in the department’s larger plan to overhaul its finances.
The terminated contracts, aimed at delivering “DEI culture transformation,” included expenditures on outward mindset training and paid subscription services for diversity and inclusion research. According to Turner, these projects failed to align with the department’s core mission of serving housing and community development needs.
“It is inexcusable the American taxpayer was footing the bill for the promotion of DEI propaganda,” Turner stated. “Not only was this costing millions of taxpayer dollars but it was also wasting valuable time that should have been used to better serve individuals and families in rural, tribal, and urban communities. DEI is dead at HUD.”
This move reflects a broader shift set in motion by President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order to eliminate costly DEI programs across federal agencies. The order, issued on Trump’s first day in office, aimed to curb such expenditures and promote more focused, equitable policies regarding government hiring and services.
A Focused Review Unearths More Waste
Turner’s announcement follows swift action by HUD’s recently launched Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Task Force. Established on February 13, the task force has already identified $260 million in potential budget savings across HUD. Its primary role remains streamlining expenditures and ensuring every dollar is used efficiently.
The efforts of DOGE have not stopped at cutting excess. Turner also announced the recovery of $1.9 billion in funds misplaced by the Biden administration. Through diligent investigation and inter-agency collaboration, DOGE and HUD jointly de-obligated these mismanaged funds and returned them to the U.S. Treasury.
“Every taxpayer dollar saved is a win for the communities we serve,” Turner emphasized. The $1.9 billion recovery represents a vital victory in HUD’s mission to rebuild trust with the American public.
Redirecting Resources Where They Matter
While critics of HUD’s actions might question the removal of DEI programs, Turner has reassured Americans of the department’s realigned priorities. The savings from useless contracts and misplaced funds can now be redirected to programs with immediate impact, particularly those supporting vulnerable populations in rural, tribal, and underserved urban neighborhoods.
Beyond immediate recovery, HUD’s meticulous examination of all contract expenditures signals the administration’s commitment to maintaining financial accountability. The $4 million in cancelled DEI contracts, while a smaller detail in the overall $260 million review, underscores HUD’s resolve to rethink its spending at every level.
Shaping the Future of Government Efficiency
The implications of HUD’s cost-cutting measures transcend housing and urban development. The work spearheaded by HUD’s DOGE Task Force is part of a larger reform effort across federal agencies to enhance government efficiency, eliminate redundancy, and focus on programs with measurable results.
With its clear fiscal measures and recovered billions, Secretary Turner’s strategy places HUD at the forefront of responsible federal spending—a model for other agencies seeking to align with the Trump administration’s financial goals.
The Path Forward
Secretary Turner’s action marks the beginning of HUD’s transformation into a leaner, more effective agency. His decisive elimination of wasteful projects and recovery of billions in misplaced funds send a message of accountability to taxpayers.
Looking ahead, the department’s ongoing review led by the DOGE Task Force promises further financial discipline. These steps stand as a commitment to ensuring HUD’s resources are directed at improving housing, strengthening communities, and building a better future for Americans, one dollar at a time.
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