HUD Launches DOGE Task Force to Track Down Waste and Missing Billions
HUD is shaking things up. Last week, newly appointed HUD Secretary Scott Turner unveiled the DOGE Task Force—a new initiative designed to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse within the agency. Making it clear that HUD is “no longer in a business-as-usual posture,” Secretary Turner’s task force wasted no time. See press release here.
Within days of launching, HUD and DOGE have already:
Identified over $260 million in potential savings
Recovered $1.9 billion in “misplaced” HUD funds
Set its sights on massive staffing and departmental restructuring
This bold move signals a major shift in HUD’s priorities—and big changes could be coming for the mortgage and housing industries.
Billions in Mismanaged Funds Recovered
The DOGE Task Force, made up of HUD insiders, is conducting a top-to-bottom review of the agency’s programs, budget, and spending. In a post on X, the task force announced it had tracked down $1.9 billion in HUD funds misplaced under the Biden administration due to a “broken process.”
In response, DOGE indicated on X that Secretary Turner and DOGE swiftly de-obligated the funds and returned them to the Treasury. While the missing money has been accounted for, the task force’s work is far from over.
Massive Layoffs and Department Restructuring Ahead?
Now that funding discrepancies are in the spotlight, reports suggest that HUD could be preparing for its biggest restructuring in decades—with potential layoffs affecting up to 50% of its workforce.
Departments under scrutiny include:
Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO)
Policy Development and Research
Community Planning and Development
While the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is expected to remain largely intact, other HUD divisions may face deep cuts or restructuring as the task force pushes for a leaner, more efficient agency.
What This Means for Mortgage Lenders and Housing Industry Professionals
These shake-ups could have major implications for mortgage lenders, housing, and industry.
Potential impacts include:
Faster decision-making on regulatory approvals
Reduced HUD enforcement in some areas
Changes to key housing programs that depend on HUD funding
With the DOGE Task Force expected to continue its work in the coming months, the mortgage and housing industries must stay alert to further developments.
What’s Next?
HUD’s new leadership is signaling a shift toward fiscal accountability and structural reform. Whether this results in a more efficient agency or disruptions to critical housing programs will be seen in the coming months.
We’ll continue tracking these changes and report as new details emerge.
If you have questions or want to discuss HUD’s evolving policies and their impact on industry, contact Troy Garris troy@garrishorn.com.