Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement in response to reports regarding the Trump Administration’s plans, alongside the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”), to eliminate at least 50% of staff at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“I am not surprised to see reports that Trump, HUD Secretary Scott Turner, and the DOGE Ketamine Klan have plans to decimate the federal agency charged with creating affordable housing, ending homelessness and illegal discrimination, and strengthening communities.

“Last Congress, Republicans started their attacks on HUD with bills meant to eliminate programs in the name of efficiency and to slash federal housing funds, which make up less than 1% of all federal spending. In fact, continued reports of funding freezes among HUD grantees despite a temporary court-ordered restraining order, as well as this latest reporting on plans to cut HUD’s staff by at least half, is a continuation of Trump and co-President Elon Musk’s illegal attack on our most vulnerable populations.

“Committee Democrats will stand strong, as we always have, to protect those who have dedicated their careers to serving their fellow Americans and to defend HUD programs, which help house millions of Americans who would otherwise have nowhere else to turn for a safe and affordable place to call home.”

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