Under President Donald Trump, the Department of Energy (DOE) has taken further steps to cut wasteful spending, following similar actions in other federal agencies.
Ben Dietderich, the DOE’s press secretary, told that over $124 million in excessive spending has been canceled. This includes expensive DEI contracts, costly multi-million-dollar news subscriptions, and other unnecessary expenditures.
“We’re just getting started,” Dietderich said. “While some funds have already been used, we expect to save at least $65 million right away, with more savings to come in the months and years ahead. President Trump and Secretary Wright are committed to making government more efficient and restoring accountability to how taxpayer dollars are spent.”
Secretary Chris Wright also addressed the cuts during an interview on “Varney & Co.” on Wednesday, stating that these spending cuts will not affect the DOE’s mission. “These items were of no value to the American people,” Wright said. “We’ve eliminated unnecessary costs, and we’re focused on delivering the DOE’s mission in a more efficient and affordable way.”
This move comes shortly after the DOE laid off nearly 50 employees from its nuclear security office, as part of a broader push by the Trump administration to reduce wasteful spending across government agencies.
Dietderich also pointed out that under the Biden administration, the DOE’s workforce grew significantly, adding over 3,000 employees in four years, with more than 1,000 hired in just the past year. “President Trump’s mandate, supported by over 77 million Americans, is clear: we are eliminating waste and streamlining the Energy Department,” Dietderich said.
Secretary Wright further emphasized that under President Trump, the focus is on reducing energy costs and ensuring the country’s energy future aligns with American interests. “We want to bring energy costs down, create more jobs, and expand American-made products. That means focusing on lowering energy costs, which is crucial to achieving the American dream,” Wright said.