Former President Donald Trump has enacted a new executive order targeting several federally funded entities for elimination, including the Presidio Trust, the Inter-American Foundation, the United States African Development Foundation, and the United States Institute of Peace. This action is part of a broader initiative in collaboration with Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reduce the size and cost of the federal government, aiming to combat inflation through minimizing waste and inefficiency.
The administration asserts that these cuts to governmental organizations and advisory committees will lead to taxpayer savings and a more focused approach to government priorities. The targeted organizations have been given two weeks to demonstrate their compliance and justify their continued existence, if applicable, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director.
This executive order follows another recent directive mandating DOGE and federal agencies to drastically reduce federal staffing levels. This includes a hiring freeze limiting new hires to one for every four employees who leave, as well as plans for significant workforce reductions and the consolidation or elimination of non-essential agency functions.
Furthermore, the Administrator of USAID, the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, the FDIC Board, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services have been instructed to terminate specific advisory councils and committees under their purview. Trump has also requested his National Security Affairs, Economic Policy, and Domestic Policy advisors to identify additional committees for potential termination within 30 days.
The Trump administration emphasizes that these actions reflect the former president's commitment to reducing government overreach and eliminating ineffective programs. Trump has expressed his determination to address governmental issues and hopes for cooperation from the judicial system, while affirming his respect for court rulings and willingness to pursue appeals if necessary.
