In a move to curb what it deems "wasteful spending," the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by Elon Musk, has revoked over $100 million in grants allocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training within the Department of Education (DOE). This action is part of a broader initiative to trim costs across the federal government.

Announced via a post on X, DOGE revealed the cancellation of 89 DOE contracts, amounting to a total of $881 million. A significant portion of this, $101 million, was earmarked for DEI training programs. These programs included training educators to "help students understand/interrogate the complex histories involved in oppression, and help students recognize areas of privilege and power." Musk highlighted this expenditure, stating, "Your tax dollars were spent on this."

Elon Musk leads the Department of Government Efficiency. (Andrew Harnik)

Beyond DEI training, DOGE also terminated a $1.5 million contract for observing mailing and clerical operations at a mail center. This action further underscores the department's commitment to identifying and eliminating unnecessary expenditures.

The decision has sparked strong reactions. Nicki Neily, president of Parents Defending Education, applauded the move, stating that DEI initiatives promote "ideological conformity and institutionalizing discrimination." She urged more states to follow suit. Erika Donalds, wife of Representative Byron Donalds, pointedly commented on the state of education, saying, "the kids can’t read."

The Department of Education building. (Tierney L. Cross)

This is not DOGE's first intervention in the DOE. Earlier this year, the department terminated three grants, including one to an institution that had reportedly held faculty workshops on "Decolonizing the Curriculum."

President Trump initiated a federal review of DEI programs in federally funded educational institutions. Following this review, several universities, including Missouri State University and West Virginia University, have closed their DEI offices.

President Donald Trump launched a federal review of DEI programs. (Donald Trump 2024 campaign)