U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner announced the formation of a new task force aimed at enhancing government efficiency by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse within the agency. This initiative, dubbed the Department of Government Efficiency, was unveiled on Thursday as part of a broader effort to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively.
Turner highlighted the task force’s mission to scrutinize HUD’s spending practices, emphasizing a commitment to accountability. He stated that HUD has already identified over $260 million in potential savings since the task force’s inception. "We are no longer in a business-as-usual posture, and the DOGE task force will play a critical role in helping to identify and eliminate waste," Turner said.
This announcement follows the recovery of approximately $1.9 billion in HUD funds that were misplaced during the Biden administration. These funds, which were designated for financial services but were deemed unnecessary, have now been made available for use by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Turner worked closely with the task force to facilitate the release of these funds, illustrating the proactive approach the agency is taking under his leadership.
In addition to its internal review, the HUD DOGE Task Force will report directly to Turner, ensuring that all programs and personnel within the department are aligned with its goals. The task force is part of a broader directive from President Donald Trump to maximize governmental efficiency across federal agencies.
Turner’s announcement comes at a time when other governmental departments are also taking steps to reduce waste. Lee Zeldin, the administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, recently canceled a $50 million environmental justice grant, citing concerns over its alignment with taxpayer interests. Similarly, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has pledged to collaborate with DOGE to identify and eliminate unnecessary spending within the Department of Defense.
The establishment of the DOGE task force reflects a significant shift in how HUD and other federal agencies approach budget management, focusing on transparency and responsibility. As Turner stated, HUD is committed to being meticulous about every dollar spent, particularly in serving diverse communities across the country. The agency’s efforts aim not only to improve efficiency but also to enhance the overall effectiveness of its programs, which include affordable housing initiatives, community development, and homelessness services.
With the DOGE task force actively working to uncover savings and streamline operations, HUD is setting a precedent for other federal agencies to follow in the pursuit of greater accountability and fiscal responsibility.