Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency targets key federal agencies amid controversy
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency have initiated significant cuts to federal agencies, including the CFPB, USAID, and the Department of Education.
In a sweeping move to overhaul federal operations, President Donald Trump, in collaboration with Elon Musk, has initiated significant cuts to several federal agencies through the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This initiative aims to reduce government spending by identifying and eliminating what it deems unnecessary programs and expenditures. However, these actions have sparked considerable debate regarding their impact on essential public services and the legal authority behind such decisions.
Among the primary targets are the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Education. Critics argue that the rapid dismantling of these agencies could undermine consumer protections, international aid efforts and educational research, raising questions about the long-term implications for both domestic and global communities.
CFPB operations suspended as USAID faces dismantling
The CFPB, established in 2010 to safeguard consumers from financial misconduct, has been a focal point of DOGE's cost-cutting measures. Acting Director Russ Vought instructed the bureau's 1,700 employees to cease all work activities, effectively halting its operations. This directive has led to disruptions in the bureau's online services and has prompted legal challenges from employee unions, who contend that the shutdown exceeds administrative authority and jeopardizes consumer rights.
USAID, responsible for administering civilian foreign aid, is undergoing significant reductions under DOGE's directive. The agency's website and communication channels have been taken offline, and a substantial portion of its workforce has been dismissed. Elon Musk has publicly criticized USAID, labeling it a "criminal organization," and has expressed intentions to shut it down entirely. These actions have raised concerns about the future of U.S. humanitarian efforts and the potential geopolitical ramifications of withdrawing aid from critical regions.
US judge halts Musk's DOGE access to Treasury Department data. Photo: France 24.
Department of Education research funding cut
The Department of Education has also come under scrutiny, particularly its research arm, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). DOGE announced plans to cancel numerous IES contracts, amounting to approximately $900 million in cuts. This decision has led to immediate cessation of various research projects and program evaluations, sparking criticism from educators and researchers who emphasize the importance of evidence-based policy in advancing educational outcomes.
The aggressive approach adopted by DOGE has not only led to operational disruptions but has also ignited a series of legal challenges. Experts argue that the unilateral dismantling of federal agencies without congressional approval may violate established legal frameworks. Additionally, the lack of transparency and the rapid pace of these changes have drawn bipartisan concern, with lawmakers questioning the long-term impacts on public services and governance.
The international community has expressed apprehension regarding the U.S. retreat from global aid commitments, fearing that such actions could create vacuums that other geopolitical players might fill. Domestically, public protests and advocacy groups have mobilized to oppose the cuts, emphasizing the essential roles these agencies play in protecting consumers, supporting education, and providing humanitarian assistance. As DOGE continues its mandate to streamline government operations, the balance between fiscal efficiency and the preservation of critical public services remains a contentious and closely watched issue.
