A group formed by Elon Musk to reduce federal spending under a potential second Trump administration has come under fire for terminating U.S. Census Bureau surveys it deems “wasteful.” The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the cancellation of five surveys, costing $16.5 million, without specifying which ones. The cuts reportedly target questions on alcohol use and home internet access.
Experts suspect the axed surveys include the Survey of Inmates in Local Jails and the Ask U.S. Panel. Critics warn that bypassing standard public comment procedures may breach federal law and undermine data transparency.
Terri Ann Lowenthal, a census consultant, criticized DOGE’s apparent misunderstanding of the Census Bureau’s mission, noting the risks to preparations for the 2030 census. These preparations face additional threats from staffing shortfalls and hiring freezes, with over 1,300 Census Bureau staff taking early departures and 18 top leadership vacancies reported.
Experts like Georgetown professor Amy O’Hara and Population Reference Bureau’s Beth Jarosz highlight growing instability within the U.S. statistical infrastructure amid DOGE disruptions and a lack of leadership following the resignation of Census Director Rob Santos. The removal of advisory committees and the defunding of key surveys have amplified fears that essential federal data may soon become inaccessible.
Source: Swifteradio.com
