The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, announced on Friday that it has recovered $1.9 billion that was misallocated during the Biden administration. The funds, originally designated for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), were identified as misplaced due to a flawed financial process. This significant recovery highlights ongoing efforts to eliminate wasteful government spending.
According to DOGE, the recovered funds were intended for the administration of financial services but were ultimately deemed unnecessary. A post on X (formerly Twitter) stated, "$1.9 billion of HUD money was just recovered after being misplaced during the Biden administration due to a broken process." The announcement comes as part of a broader initiative to scrutinize federal expenditures and improve financial accountability.
HUD Secretary Scott Turner collaborated with DOGE to address the issue, successfully de-obligating the funds, which are now available for other uses by the Treasury. In a video message shared on social media, Turner emphasized the commitment to ensuring every dollar is spent wisely, particularly in serving diverse communities across the nation. He revealed that just days prior, his team had identified an additional $260 million in savings.
Turner also announced the establishment of a DOGE task force within HUD to oversee spending and prevent future misallocations. The task force aims to provide detailed oversight of financial resources, ensuring they are directed toward the needs of tribal, rural, and urban communities.
In related developments, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin reported that, with DOGE’s assistance, he has canceled a controversial $50 million environmental justice grant linked to an organization that advocates for "climate justice" in the context of geopolitical issues. Zeldin also noted that the EPA had previously sent $160 million to a Canadian electric bus manufacturer, with the full amount disbursed before the production of the buses was completed. This practice raised concerns about the management of taxpayer funds.
The recovery of the $1.9 billion and the initiatives introduced by HUD and DOGE reflect a growing focus on fiscal responsibility within the federal government, as officials seek to rectify past oversights and ensure that funding is utilized effectively for the benefit of American communities.