In a significant move to streamline the federal government, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday aimed at dismantling several federal advisory committees. This action is part of a broader initiative, in collaboration with Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to reduce government size and eliminate wasteful spending amid ongoing inflation concerns.
The executive order specifically targets four federally funded organizations: the Presidio Trust, the Inter-American Foundation, the United States African Development Foundation, and the United States Institute of Peace. These entities have been given a 14-day period to report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on their compliance with the order and to justify their necessity.
The president’s push for these cuts aligns with his administration’s goal of reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies. Trump emphasized that the objective is to save taxpayer dollars and streamline government operations. In addition to the aforementioned organizations, the order also calls for the termination of several advisory committees, including those related to health and consumer financial protection.
This executive order follows a previous directive issued by Trump that instructed DOGE to coordinate with federal agencies to implement substantial reductions in the federal workforce. Under this plan, agencies will be limited to hiring one new employee for every four that leave, and they are expected to develop strategies for large-scale layoffs and the consolidation of functions deemed non-essential.
Trump’s administration has framed these actions as fulfilling a promise to voters to "drain the swamp" and eliminate ineffective government programs. The administration argues that these reforms are necessary to address the inefficiencies that have long plagued federal operations.
Within 30 days of the new order, Trump’s senior advisors for National Security Affairs, Economic Policy, and Domestic Policy are required to identify additional committees and boards that could be eliminated. The president expressed hope that the judicial system would support his efforts, indicating a willingness to appeal any legal challenges that may arise in response to these initiatives.
The implications of these cuts are significant, particularly for federal workers who may face job insecurity as a result of the planned reductions. Reports indicate that many are already feeling anxious about the future of their positions as the administration moves forward with its aggressive approach to downsizing the government.
As the Trump administration continues to pursue these sweeping changes, the focus remains on reducing government expenditure and addressing what it views as unnecessary bureaucracy. The outcome of these efforts will likely shape the landscape of federal governance in the coming months.