The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the recovery of $1.9 billion in misplaced funds and the formation of a new task force dedicated to enhancing government efficiency. HUD Secretary Scott Turner revealed that the recovered funds, initially intended for financial services administration, were deemed unnecessary. Working in collaboration with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), HUD released these funds, making them available to the U.S. Treasury.
Secretary Turner emphasized HUD's commitment to responsible spending, stating that the agency is undergoing a thorough review of its expenditures to ensure maximum efficiency. A newly formed HUD task force, composed of agency employees, will report directly to Turner, focusing on optimizing budget allocation and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse.
Turner stated that this initiative aligns with President Trump's executive order aimed at maximizing government efficiency and productivity. The HUD task force will strive to ensure seamless collaboration among programs, processes, and personnel to further the department's mission.
HUD's responsibilities encompass national housing policy and urban development, encompassing various programs such as affordable housing, community development, homeowner assistance, fair housing enforcement, homelessness services, and other related initiatives.
Turner also highlighted the task force's early success, noting that over $260 million in savings has already been identified. As DOGE continues its efforts across federal agencies, some agencies are proactively undertaking their own internal reviews.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the cancellation of a $50 million environmental justice grant, citing concerns about taxpayer funds being directed to a left-leaning advocacy group. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has also pledged to collaborate with DOGE to reduce wasteful spending within the Department of Defense.
