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DOGE Cuts $51 Million from African Development Foundation Initiatives
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has announced significant cuts totaling $51 million from the U.S. African Development Foundation. Among the reductions are several initiatives, including substantial funding for the marketing of shea butter, pineapple juice, and mango drying facilities. These cuts were revealed in a recent post on X, detailing how the allocated funds had been employed across various projects.
Specifically, the cuts included $229,296 dedicated to promoting 100% organic shea butter in Burkina Faso, $246,217 for establishing mango drying facilities in the Ivory Coast, and $239,738 for marketing pineapple juice production in Benin. Additional expenditures included $99,566 aimed at boosting yogurt production in Uganda, $84,059 for a business incubator supporting spa and wellness entrepreneurs in Nigeria, $50,000 to assist farmers in cultivating dragon fruit in Senegal, and $48,406 for developing a WhatsApp marketing chatbot in Kenya.
Strategic Objectives of DOGE
DOGE, which operates under the leadership of Elon Musk, was formed as a temporary entity within the White House following an executive order issued earlier this year. Established with a clear mandate from President Donald Trump, the organization aims to enhance the efficiency of the federal government by streamlining operations and reducing unnecessary expenditures, with an 18-month timeline to achieve these objectives.
In its recent endeavors, DOGE has also terminated over 113 contracts totaling approximately $4.7 billion. This includes a noteworthy cancellation of a $145,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) consulting contract related to climate change initiatives in Peru.
Broader Impact of DOGE’s Cuts
In addition to the cuts affecting the African Development Foundation, DOGE has eliminated significant funding for various social programs. This includes a $10 million allocation for “gender equity in the Mexican workplace,” $12.2 million for “worker empowerment in South America,” and $6.25 million aimed at improving workers’ rights within agricultural supply chains in Central America.
The organization has systematically dismantled numerous diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies, as well as scaled back on consulting contracts, and assessed leases for underutilized federal properties, along with the elimination of redundant agencies and programs.
Financial Achievements and Future Goals
As of the latest updates, DOGE claims to have realized savings of $140 billion, which translates to roughly $870 for each taxpayer in America. These efforts underscore the department’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and government accountability.
The ongoing actions and objectives of DOGE are being closely monitored, especially in light of the public protests surrounding Elon Musk’s involvement with the organization and the broader implications for U.S. foreign aid and development strategies.
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