The DOGE found over $80 million wasted on DEI initiatives and climate change studies by the DoD. Items include various research grants and training programs deemed unrelated to military functions. Chief Spokesman Parnell criticized the spending as a distraction from core military missions and promised more revelations to come.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has revealed that the Department of Defense (DoD) spent over $80 million on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell, in a video, highlighted various instances of what he considers wasteful expenditure. These include $1.6 million allocated to the University of Florida for climate change studies in West Africa and $1.9 million for DEI training in the Air Force, among others.
Further investigation by Campus Reform identified an extra $5 million spent on related DEI initiatives and climate change studies from the DoD, as listed in USAspending.gov. Notable examples include $1.6 million to Boise State University to study the effects of climate change on bird reproduction, $967,357 to Columbia University to analyze climate-driven migration, and $1 million for perceptions of refugees affected by climate change.
In a statement, Parnell strongly criticized this spending, stating, “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 forthcoming disclosures will continue to surface, emphasizing a commitment to streamlining operations for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
The DOGE’s findings on the DoD’s spending reveal a significant allocation of funds towards DEI and climate initiatives, which has sparked criticism regarding their relevance to military operations. As further uncoverings are promised, there is an ongoing effort to ensure that the DoD remains focused on its primary mission, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Original Source: www.campusreform.org