$5.5 Billion in DEI and Climate Programs Cancelled
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has introduced major changes in her first 100 days, focusing USDA efforts on American farmers and reducing spending on non-agricultural programs.
On her first day, Rollins removed all DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives and ordered a full review of programs using funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. These actions are part of a broader plan to ensure all taxpayer dollars go toward helping farmers and ranchers.
USDA has already cancelled 3,600 contracts and grants—worth more than $5.5 billion. This includes 597 grants totaling $3.45 billion and 3,000 contracts worth $1.8 billion. Rollins also cancelled about 1,000 employee training programs, most focused on DEI or environmental justice.
“It is absurd that while the Biden Administration was driving up inflation, American taxpayers were forced to fund billions in woke DEI initiatives. American farmers and ranchers don’t need DEI, they need reduced regulations and an Administration that is actively putting them first,” said Secretary Rollins.
Rollins also paused and reviewed USDA funding for Maine and California. In Maine, she raised concerns about unequal educational opportunities, possibly violating Title IX. In California, she questioned research fund usage.
Another major move was ending the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC). Many of these projects had large administration costs and delivered little funding to farmers. Only projects that clearly benefit farmers may continue.