The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has canceled a $17 million project aimed at providing tax policy advice to Liberia.
Musk announced the move on his X account, emphasizing DOGE’s mission to reduce government waste and increase efficiency in U.S. federal operations.
The canceled project is part of DOGE’s broader effort to trim expenditures, which has raised concerns in countries like Liberia that rely heavily on international aid and expertise.
Since its inception, DOGE has cut over $1 billion in daily expenses, targeting taxpayer-funded programs, particularly those promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
The canceled tax project in Liberia is likely linked to previous initiatives funded by international organizations like the World Bank.
One such project, the Governance Reform and Accountability Transformation (GREAT) Project, was approved by the World Bank in June 2024, aiming to enhance access to digitally provided public services, increase tax revenues, and improve government transparency and accountability in Liberia.
The U.S. is the largest donor to the International Development Association (IDA), having pledged $4 billion as of 2021. However, the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid has disrupted critical programs, particularly in Africa, impacting sectors like HIV/AIDS treatment and education.
