As federal layoffs escalate across various government agencies, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is facing significant staff reductions under the Trump administration. Housing Secretary Scott Turner has initiated a "DOGE" task force aimed at scrutinizing HUD’s expenditures, emphasizing a shift away from traditional operations. This initiative comes amid reports that the administration plans to cut HUD’s workforce by as much as half, with some areas potentially facing reductions of up to 75%.
Turner stated that the DOGE task force would focus on identifying and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse within the department. In a recent announcement, the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, claimed to have recovered $1.9 billion in misallocated HUD funds from the previous administration. However, the specifics of these cuts and their timing remain unclear, with HUD not having publicly disclosed any plans for broad reductions.
According to Antonio Gaines, president of HUD Council 222 of the American Federation of Government Employees, the union has been informed about drastic layoff targets from multiple sources within the agency. These cuts are reportedly aimed at programs not mandated by Congress, leaving many critical areas vulnerable. Gaines indicated that HUD offices managing programs related to homelessness, affordable housing, and civil rights enforcement are among those at risk. The union has reached out to the administration for negotiations but has faced resistance.
The potential cuts raise concerns among HUD employees and stakeholders, who describe the situation as alarming. Agency officials have expressed distress over the magnitude of the proposed layoffs, which they characterize as "drastic" and "shocking." Workers fear the implications these cuts could have on the services provided to the public, especially as the nation grapples with a housing crisis marked by soaring costs.
One particular program facing cancellation is the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program, established by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. This initiative has allocated over $1 billion to enhance the energy efficiency of HUD-subsidized housing. Critics, including former HUD officials, question the rationale behind targeting such a beneficial program during a time of increasing housing instability.
The administration’s approach has drawn scrutiny for its lack of transparency and details regarding the layoffs and budget cuts. Many federal employees, including those at HUD, are concerned about their job security and the broader impact on the housing market. As discussions about the future of HUD and its programs continue, the effects of these proposed cuts will likely resonate throughout the housing sector and beyond.