In a decisive move to eliminate what it deems unnecessary expenditures, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has terminated 78 contracts totaling over $132 million, including a notable $229,000 agreement for a Brazilian forest and gender consultant. This action follows a comprehensive review by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, aimed at identifying and cutting wasteful spending within federal agencies.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized the department’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, stating, “I welcome DOGE’s efforts at USDA because we know that its work makes us better, stronger, faster, and more efficient.” In addition to the Brazilian consultant contract, other terminated agreements include $374,000 for a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) onboarding specialist, $254,000 for diversity dialogue workshops, and $298,000 for international development for historically underrepresented communities.
Rollins has also rescinded all DEI programs within the USDA, shifting the focus toward unity, equality, and merit-based practices. This policy change led to the cancellation of 948 employee training sessions, with 758 specifically centered on DEI, and others covering topics like environmental justice and gender ideology.
The USDA’s actions are part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to scrutinize and reduce federal spending on programs it considers superfluous, particularly those related to DEI. Proponents argue that these measures are necessary to ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars, while critics contend that eliminating such programs may undermine efforts to promote inclusivity and address systemic disparities.
As the USDA continues to evaluate its contracts and programs, further adjustments are anticipated in alignment with the administration’s emphasis on fiscal efficiency and merit-based policies.