The Department of Government Efficiency revealed $80 million in DoD expenditures on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Campus Reform found an additional $5 million spent on similar university studies, leading to concerns over wasteful spending in the military. Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized that such expenditures distract from the military’s core mission.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has identified over $80 million in expenditures related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by the Department of Defense (DoD). This revelation indicates potential misallocation of resources aimed not at core military functions but rather at social experiments. Additionally, Campus Reform’s investigation revealed another $5 million spent on similar initiatives and climate change studies.
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell pointed out specific examples of what he described as wasteful spending within these programs. Notable allocations include:
– $1.6 million to the University of Florida aimed at studying the effects of climate change in West Africa.
– $6 million allocated to the University of Montana to enhance American democracy through bridging societal divides.
– $1.9 million dedicated to DEI transformation and training within the Air Force.
– $3.5 million spent by the Defense Human Resources Activity to support DEI organizations.
Campus Reform uncovered further spending items totaling an additional $5 million, supported by data from USAspending.gov. Examples include:
1. $1.6 million to Boise State University for research on climate change’s impact on bird breeding and migration.
2. $967,357 to Columbia University to investigate climate change as a driver of border migration.
3. $1.6 million to the University of Maryland to evaluate the implications of climate change in Mozambique on national security.
4. $1 million for the University of Maryland to assess American views on refugees from climate-affected areas.
5. $44,380 granted to George Washington University for the 2023 Air Force Office of Diversity and Inclusion conference.
Parnell stated, “This stuff is not a core function of our military. This is not what we do. This is a distraction from our core mission.” He assured that these findings are just the initial steps in a broader initiative to cut unnecessary expenditures, stating that additional insights would emerge soon as DOGE collaborates closely with the DoD to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.
The recent findings from the Department of Government Efficiency underscore significant concerns regarding the allocation of Department of Defense funds toward non-essential DEI and climate change initiatives. With over $80 million identified in expenditures primarily aimed at social objectives rather than military readiness, it is evident that a re-evaluation of spending priorities is necessary. As these revelations unfold, it is expected that further scrutiny will lead to substantial adjustments within the DoD’s budgeting practices.
Original Source: www.campusreform.org
