DOGE Accesses NOAA IT Systems, Investigates DEI Compliance

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained access to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) IT systems to investigate compliance with President Trump's executive order aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Reports indicate that DOGE personnel have been on-site at NOAA, prompting concerns among congressional Democrats about potential disruptions to the agency's scientific and regulatory functions. As part of their investigation, DOGE is specifically searching for evidence of DEI practices within NOAA, including information related to a 2023 report advocating for diversity. This scrutiny has raised alarms over the implications for employee privacy and the agency's operations, which include critical functions like severe weather warnings and climate research. Employees have reported being instructed to grant DOGE access to internal resources, including membership details of employee resource groups. The ongoing investigation reflects broader tensions within federal agencies regarding diversity initiatives and government oversight.