Key Takeaways:
- Federal agencies have seen massive spending increases despite workforce reductions.
- Spending at agencies like Commerce and USDA has significantly outpaced inflation.
- The Biden administration’s priorities include COVID-19 relief and environmental justice.
- Trump’s administration is pushing for efficiency, resulting in job cuts and taxpayer savings.
Spending Surges Across Agencies
Federal agencies have experienced a dramatic surge in spending over the past few years, even as their workforces have shrunk, according to a recent report. This trend is evident across various departments, highlighting a concerning pattern of rising costs without proportional workforce growth.
The Department of Commerce (DOC) saw its spending leap from $13.1 billion in 2021 to an estimated $20.5 billion in 2024, despite a workforce reduction from 53,939 to 47,650 employees. Similarly, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) spent $254.2 billion in 2024, up from $75.1 billion in 2000, while its workforce decreased from 106,715 to 92,072 employees.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also experienced a spending increase, from $33.2 billion in 2020 to nearly $56.4 billion in 2024, with its workforce growing slightly from 7,845 to 8,825 employees. These examples illustrate how spending has outpaced both inflation and workforce changes.
Workforce Trends Vary
Workforce trends across federal agencies are not uniform. While some agencies have seen reductions, others, like HUD, have experienced slight increases. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is another example, with its workforce growing from 173 in 2020 to 197 in 2024, alongside a spending increase from $160 million to $305 million.
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) saw the most significant workforce expansion, growing from 1-3 members between 2000 and 2020 to 17 in 2024, with its budget rising from $12 million to $51 million.
Biden Administration’s Spending Priorities
The Biden administration’s spending priorities have been evident in its allocations. Significant funding has gone towards COVID-19 relief, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and environmental justice. These expenditures have contributed to the national debt, now at $36.2 trillion, and a national deficit of $1 trillion.
Trump’s Push for Efficiency
In contrast, President Trump has made reducing government waste a priority. His administration established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has implemented mass layoffs and reported saving taxpayers $714.29 per person. Trump’s executive order aims to eliminate inefficiencies in the federal bureaucracy, a move that has sparked debate.
The federal government shed 10,000 jobs in February, the largest decrease since June 2022. These actions reflect a concerted effort to curb wasteful spending and improve government efficiency.
Conclusion
The report reveals a concerning trend of rising federal spending without corresponding workforce growth, raising questions about efficiency and accountability. While the Biden administration has focused on specific priorities, the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce waste highlight ongoing debates about government spending and efficiency. As these trends continue, the impact on taxpayers and the national economy remains a critical concern.