Breaking: DOGE plans to eliminate 69 programs in latest budget cuts
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Major cuts are shaking the foundations of global labor protections, public health, and key federal institutions—and they may start taking effect today.
In a sweeping move championed by the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), 69 international labor programs—many targeting child labor and human trafficking—are now facing immediate termination.
The GrayVine is breaking down what’s at stake, who’s impacted, and why critics say this could undo decades of progress.
An internal email obtained by The Washington Post reveals that the Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs has been directed to shut down all grants—yes, even those authorized by Congress.
These programs have long supported NGOs working to curb forced labor in Southeast Asia, exploitative fisheries in South America, and agricultural abuses in Mexico.
One of the largest recipients, The Solidarity Center, says most of its grants have already been pulled—and more notices are incoming.
DOGE, a cost-cutting task force led by Elon Musk, praised the move, claiming it slashes $577 million in “America Last” grants, while projecting $237 million in savings. But labor advocates warn the impact could be devastating.
“This threatens to unravel decades of progress,” the Solidarity Center said in a statement Thursday.
The Department of Health and Human Services is also undergoing a massive restructuring.
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed that 10,000 jobs will be cut—on top of the 10,000 retirements and buyouts that have already occurred.
The agency will shrink from 82,000 to 62,000 employees, with key public health units like the CDC, FDA, and NIH taking major hits.
RFK Jr. insists the overhaul—bundled under the new “Administration for a Healthy America”—will deliver more with less.
“We’re going to eliminate an entire alphabet soup of agencies,” he said. “But keep the functions that matter.”
This isn’t limited to HHS or Labor. Here’s a snapshot of where the cuts are landing next:
DOGE claims to have saved the federal government $130 billion since January.
But analysts warn that only a fraction of those savings—about $7.7 billion—are actually verifiable, according to the independent Musk Watch DOGE Tracker.
Have you or someone you know been impacted by these program terminations or federal layoffs? Do you support the DOGE mission of government efficiency, or are essential services being put at risk?
Read more:
In a sweeping move championed by the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), 69 international labor programs—many targeting child labor and human trafficking—are now facing immediate termination.
The GrayVine is breaking down what’s at stake, who’s impacted, and why critics say this could undo decades of progress.
An internal email obtained by The Washington Post reveals that the Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs has been directed to shut down all grants—yes, even those authorized by Congress.
These programs have long supported NGOs working to curb forced labor in Southeast Asia, exploitative fisheries in South America, and agricultural abuses in Mexico.
669 international labor programs are now facing immediate termination. Image source: Global New / YouTube
One of the largest recipients, The Solidarity Center, says most of its grants have already been pulled—and more notices are incoming.
DOGE, a cost-cutting task force led by Elon Musk, praised the move, claiming it slashes $577 million in “America Last” grants, while projecting $237 million in savings. But labor advocates warn the impact could be devastating.
“This threatens to unravel decades of progress,” the Solidarity Center said in a statement Thursday.
The Department of Health and Human Services is also undergoing a massive restructuring.
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed that 10,000 jobs will be cut—on top of the 10,000 retirements and buyouts that have already occurred.
The agency will shrink from 82,000 to 62,000 employees, with key public health units like the CDC, FDA, and NIH taking major hits.
RFK Jr. insists the overhaul—bundled under the new “Administration for a Healthy America”—will deliver more with less.
“We’re going to eliminate an entire alphabet soup of agencies,” he said. “But keep the functions that matter.”
This isn’t limited to HHS or Labor. Here’s a snapshot of where the cuts are landing next:
- EPA: Over 1,000 scientists may be laid off; its research office is on the chopping block
- IRS: 18,000 jobs expected to be eliminated
- USPS: 10,000 workers expected to be cut within weeks
- Department of Education: 1,300 job cuts
- Department of Veterans Affairs: An internal memo reveals plans to cut up to 80,000 positions
DOGE claims to have saved the federal government $130 billion since January.
But analysts warn that only a fraction of those savings—about $7.7 billion—are actually verifiable, according to the independent Musk Watch DOGE Tracker.
Have you or someone you know been impacted by these program terminations or federal layoffs? Do you support the DOGE mission of government efficiency, or are essential services being put at risk?
Read more:
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