Elon Musk DOGE Initiative Canceled Millions in Native Funding Brookings Reports

The Department of Government Efficiency canceled nearly 470 million dollars in federal funding for Tribal nations and Native organizations, according to reports from Brookings and Native News Online. The initiative disproportionately affected Native communities and raised concerns regarding federal trust and treaty obligations. [1][2]

The department, led by Elon Musk, failed to reduce overall federal spending, Brookings reported. However, the agency still significantly disrupted government programs and agencies that serve communities across the United States and internationally before officially shutting down on July 4, 2026. [1]

The initiative was first suggested to Donald Trump by Musk in 2024 and was created by executive order on January 20, 2025. Members of the department took influential roles across federal agencies, gained access to procurement and personnel systems, canceled government contracts, and facilitated mass staff reductions. [4]

Indian country includes self-governing Native American communities, federally recognized tribes, and state recognized tribes across the United States. Previous research indicates that Tribal communities faced disproportionate impacts from federal funding cuts under the Trump administration. [1][3]