The Interior Department under the Trump administration is severing connections with over 30 progressive organizations, claiming they don’t reflect the administration’s values and aiming to save millions.
Approximately $4 million had supported left-leaning initiatives, spanning from environmental projects to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that thrived during the Biden administration.
FOX News was the first to report on this development. A press release from the Department of the Interior, overseen by Doug Burgum, formally stated that the department would “end its partnerships with groups that no longer represent the priorities of the American people.”
This move is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to examine waste, fraud, and abuse within government contracts. An internal review by the Interior Department discovered around 2,000 active contracts, many of which were deemed misaligned with the values of the American people or lacking a clear benefit.
For instance, one group that benefited from previous support was the Hispanic Access Foundation, which has openly advocated for providing scholarships to undocumented students. In a 2021 statement, HAF President Maite Arce highlighted Dreamers as a “vulnerable community” during the pandemic, noting their “limited resources.”
“When DACA was first introduced, it opened doors for Dreamers to pursue education, jobs, and driving privileges. Many now are in school or serving in the military, contributing to our community,” she remarked.
The Interior Department also mentioned various other groups, such as Conservation International, which seeks to eliminate fossil fuel use entirely.
Additionally, FOX News pointed out that the Cultural Landscape Foundation has expressed concerns about the construction of the White House Ballroom and other projects.
Another organization on the department’s list is the Cultural Landscape Foundation, which announced a basic partnership with the National Park Service to “conduct various educational and cultural activities.” The group has challenged several administration moves, including legal actions over changes to the Kennedy Center and critiques regarding the White House Ballroom project, as well as its “Landslide 2026: Erasing America’s History” initiative aimed at raising awareness about threatened cultural landscapes.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Burgum, the Department of the Interior is taking definitive steps to ensure its partnerships and resources align with the administration’s priorities and serve the American public,” remarked Matthew Middleton, the deputy communications director and investigations director, to FOX News Digital.
He further stated, “The Interior continues to invest in partnerships that enhance public land access, encourage responsible stewardship, and provide real benefits to the American people.”
Similar measures are being implemented across other federal agencies to improve efficiency and reduce costs. For example, the EPA, led by Lee Zeldin, has announced organizational changes that are projected to save the agency $300 million annually.
