The Department of Agriculture, under Secretary Brooke Rollins, has terminated 78 contracts amounting to over $132 million, as part of a broader effort to eliminate wasteful spending. This initiative, supported by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency within the USDA. Over 1,000 additional contracts are currently under review for potential termination.

Among the terminated contracts are those for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including a $374,000 onboarding specialist, $254,000 for diversity dialogue workshops, and $298,000 for international development programs focused on historically underrepresented communities. Other terminated contracts include a $229,000 Brazilian forest and gender consultant, a $121,000 women and forest carbon mentorship program, and a $29,000 Central American gender assessment consultant.

Secretary Rollins has officially rescinded all DEI programs within the USDA, shifting the focus towards unity, equality, and meritocracy. As a result, 948 employee training programs have been canceled, with 758 of those focusing specifically on DEI. Other canceled training sessions covered topics such as environmental justice and gender ideology.

Further contract terminations include a $91,000 program for women's professional and economic opportunities in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean, focusing on climate change adaptation. A $33,000 neighborhood electric vehicle and an $11,000 conference room rental in Hawaii for a biodiversity meeting were also cut.

In addition to contract terminations, the USDA has slashed $277 million in media contracts, including subscriptions to POLITICO Pro. This move aligns with the White House's broader plan to reduce government spending by eliminating subscriptions to certain news organizations. While POLITICO Pro has subscribers in both the public and private sectors, including members of Congress, the USDA's decision reflects a prioritization of fiscal responsibility.

The USDA is also working on optimizing its workforce by eliminating unnecessary positions, mandating a return to the office for employees, and relocating some staff to the nation's heartland.