Musk’s DOGE team reviews Peace Corps finances amid possible cuts | World News
Elon Musk’s unofficial task force, dubbed the “Department of Government Efficiency” or DOGE, has turned its attention to the Peace Corps, the independent federal agency that deploys American volunteers abroad for health, education, and development work. On Friday, DOGE representatives arrived at the agency’s Washington, DC, headquarters to begin an internal systems review.
In a joint statement to ABC News and The Guardian, the Peace Corps confirmed DOGE’s activity: “Staff from the Department of Government Efficiency are currently working at Peace Corps headquarters and the agency is supporting their requests.”
The White House also confirmed to ABC News that DOGE’s work is being conducted in coordination with the Biden adminration.
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According to multiple sources familiar with the visit, the team was granted access to internal financial data and systems—potentially part of Musk’s broader efforts for cost savings across federal institutions. Elon Musk and DOGE director Steve Davis did not respond to media inquiries.
An internal email obtained The Guardian revealed that Peace Corps officials notified staff of DOGE’s arrival, stating: “We will be welcoming the DOGE folks this afternoon. We have been made aware that they intend to work on the weekend, so we will need you on stand.” The email also emphasised the importance of documentation, stating that “under all circumstances, ensure that clear records are kept on what is requested and provided.”
Ahead of the visit, some agency employees expressed concern that the Peace Corps could face downsizing similar to what occurred at USAID following a DOGE-led review.
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The National Peace Corps Association, a nonprofit representing returned volunteers and supporters, acknowledged the DOGE visit in an email to its members Friday. The message noted that more DOGE personnel were expected and affirmed the organization’s support for the agency: “Our community is tens of thousands strong, and will unite to champion Peace Corps ideals with courage, hope, and perseverance.”
Founded in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps has sent more than 240,000 Americans overseas. The agency operates on an annual budget of about $400 million and maintains bipartisan support.
In his final budget proposal before leaving office, former President Joe Biden requested an 11% increase in funding for the Peace Corps—up to $479 million for Fiscal Year 2025, ABC News reported.Story continues below this ad
Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has empowered DOGE to visit more than 20 federal agencies as part of an ongoing effort to root out “waste, fraud and abuse.”
(With inputs from The Guardian, ABC News)
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