The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is on the warpath when it comes to making people unemployed, led by billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk, the newly established department with the backing of the Trump administration has already cut thousands of jobs from the federal government. Here’s a list of agencies that have been affected so far.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a U.S. government agency established in 2011 under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Its primary mission is to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices by financial institutions and ensure that they have access to clear and accurate information when making financial decisions.
READ: DOGE leaders Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy target 94% of remote federal workers (December 9, 2024)
The CFPB oversees a wide range of financial products and services, including mortgages, credit cards, student loans, payday loans, and other forms of credit. The bureau enforces federal consumer financial laws, supervises financial institutions, investigates consumer complaints, and takes enforcement actions against companies that violate consumer protection laws.
Additionally, the agency works to educate consumers about their rights and financial choices, providing tools and resources to help them make informed decisions.
The CFPB was created to fill a gap in consumer protection in the financial services sector, responding to the 2008 financial crisis and aiming to prevent future economic instability caused by predatory lending practices and financial misconduct. Over the years, the bureau has been at the center of debates around regulatory power, with some advocating for its independence, while others argue for reforms or its reduction in scope.
What did DOGE do?
DOGE and the Trump administration ordered the agency to stop working as they would no longer be funded.
Democrats are going after Russell Vought, head of the Office of Management and Budget, who communicated the defunding, saying that he does not have the authority to defund or dismantle any agency.
On Feb. 14, the Trump administration agreed to temporarily suspend the order under U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in the D.C. Circuit. The new agreement will keep the CFPB’s current operations unchanged for at least 17 days, after a union representing employees claimed the agency was planning an imminent reduction in force for all staff.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the U.S. government’s primary agency responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance. Established in 1961, USAID’s mission is to promote democratic governance, advance economic growth, alleviate poverty, improve global health, and provide humanitarian assistance to people in need worldwide. Through partnerships with governments, non-profits, private sectors, and international organizations, USAID works to improve living conditions in developing countries and foster long-term stability and prosperity.
USAID operates in over 100 countries, focusing on a variety of sectors such as education, health care, agriculture, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and disaster relief. The agency often plays a crucial role in responding to humanitarian crises, such as natural disasters and conflicts, providing both immediate relief and long-term recovery assistance. USAID also promotes democracy and human rights through governance initiatives and efforts to build resilient institutions.
The agency works closely with other U.S. government departments, international agencies, and local partners to achieve its objectives. USAID’s impact is far-reaching, aiming to build stronger economies, healthier populations, and more democratic governments globally. Its work is instrumental in strengthening U.S. foreign relations and advancing global development goals, contributing to peace and security around the world.
What did DOGE do?
Musk is trying to shut down the agency citing fraud and abuse of funds. His move has reportedly placed 10,000 worldwide employees on leave.
At least three lawsuits have been filed in Washington over dismantling USAID, from non-profits, an employee union association and companies that contracted with the agency, according to Reuters.
U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is a federal agency responsible for promoting educational excellence, ensuring equal access to education, and overseeing the nation’s education policies and programs. Established in 1980, its mission is to support and strengthen the education system in the United States, from early childhood to postsecondary education.
The department’s work includes providing financial assistance to students through grants, loans, and work-study programs, aimed at increasing access to higher education. It also ensures compliance with federal education laws, such as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which guides K-12 education. ED administers programs that help improve student performance, including special education, career and technical education, and initiatives for underserved communities.
Additionally, the department plays a key role in collecting and analyzing education data to inform policy decisions, offering resources for educators, and setting national standards for educational achievement. It works closely with state and local governments, schools, and other stakeholders to improve educational outcomes and prepare students for the workforce.
READ: Will Vivek Ramaswamy withdraw from DOGE? (January 20, 2025)
ED also addresses issues related to civil rights in education, ensuring that all students, regardless of race, disability, gender, or background, have an equal opportunity to succeed. Its overall goal is to enhance educational opportunities for all Americans.
What did DOGE do?
According to DOGE, it canceled nearly $1 billion in research contracts and a large number of staffers have been placed on leave. Its main point of interest was the dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government.
National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the U.S. government’s primary agency for biomedical and public health research. Established in 1887 and part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), NIH’s mission is to improve public health by conducting and funding medical research aimed at understanding, preventing, and treating diseases and conditions. It is composed of 27 separate institutes and centers, each focusing on different aspects of health, from cancer and heart disease to mental health and infectious diseases.
NIH conducts both intramural research, carried out within its own labs and facilities, and extramural research, which involves funding projects and research institutions across the country. The agency also plays a significant role in advancing scientific discoveries, developing new medical treatments, and fostering innovation in medical technology.
In addition to its research efforts, NIH promotes public health education, provides training for the next generation of scientists, and addresses emerging health challenges, including pandemics and chronic diseases. The agency is instrumental in supporting major health initiatives, such as the fight against COVID-19, cancer research, and efforts to combat mental health issues.
NIH is considered one of the world’s leading health research organizations, driving breakthroughs that improve health outcomes and quality of life globally.
What did DOGE do?
President Donald Trump has reportedly imposed a new policy that will limit reimbursement rates for research institutions.
Reportedly, other agencies have also been affected, like the U.S. Forest Service which is likely firing around 3,400 recent hires, while the National Park Service is terminating about 1,000, people familiar with the plans said on Friday.
Mass federal government layoffs could have significant consequences, including a disruption in essential public services, such as healthcare, law enforcement, and education, which many depend on.
READ: DOGE leaders Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy target 94% of remote federal workers (December 9, 2024)
Economic impacts could include a rise in unemployment rates and reduced consumer spending. Additionally, the loss of experienced workers may slow down critical government functions, from regulatory enforcement to national security.
Public trust in government efficiency may decline, and state-level governments might be overwhelmed by increased demand for services. Finally, layoffs could spark protests or unrest, negatively affecting social cohesion and public morale. Only time will tell how these changes made by the Trump administration will reflect in American society.