DOGE Cuts Census Bureau Surveys, Experts Raise Alarm/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk under Trump’s second administration, has axed several U.S. Census Bureau surveys. Experts worry these cuts will cripple the nation’s already strained data infrastructure. The lack of transparency and bypassed public procedures has raised legal and institutional concerns.
Census Bureau Survey Cuts + Quick Looks
- DOGE axes five surveys costing $16.5 million with no clear disclosure.
- Surveys possibly cut include the Survey of Inmates and Ask U.S. Panel.
- Experts warn this bypasses lawful public consultation procedures.
- Concerns escalate over readiness for 2030 Census test runs.
- Staffing vacancies and canceled advisory groups add pressure.
- Statistical community alarmed by erosion of data transparency.
Deep Look
In a contentious move, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative spearheaded by Elon Musk within the second Trump administration, has eliminated five surveys conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. The decision, publicly shared on DOGE’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, cited the $16.5 million cost as “wasteful,” though it failed to name the surveys terminated. This sudden action has sparked widespread concern among data professionals and researchers who rely heavily on accurate and comprehensive federal statistics.
While DOGE’s social media post hinted that the eliminated surveys included questions on internet usage and alcohol consumption, experts believe more critical surveys might be affected. Beth Jarosz, senior program director at the Population Reference Bureau, suspects the cuts could include the Survey of Inmates in Local Jails and the Ask U.S. Panel, an internet-based survey conducted with the Department of Defense. Both are essential tools in understanding demographics, public safety, and national behavior patterns.
What has alarmed the data community further is the method by which these surveys were terminated. Normally, any change to government surveys must undergo a formal process involving public notices and opportunities for comment. Skipping this process could constitute a violation of administrative law, said Jarosz.
“These data belong to the public,” she emphasized, adding that taxpayers fund the collection and deserve access unless there’s an explicit consensus to stop.
Terri Ann Lowenthal, a former congressional staffer and consultant on census issues, criticized the initiative for its lack of understanding of the Census Bureau’s role.
“Picking isolated questions out of context misrepresents the seriousness and necessity of the Bureau’s work,” she stated, expressing concern over DOGE’s approach and apparent inexperience with data infrastructure.
Even more troubling is the potential impact on preparations for the 2030 census. The upcoming tests for this decennial national headcount are scheduled across six regions: western Texas, tribal lands in Arizona, Colorado Springs, western North Carolina, Spartanburg, and Huntsville. With the federal government under hiring freezes and with the Census Bureau silent about its timeline, experts fear these crucial test phases may be derailed.
Lowenthal warns, “The timeline of a census is extremely tight. Lost time can’t be easily recovered.” Each phase of census preparation builds upon the previous, making any delay exponentially problematic.
Amy O’Hara, a Georgetown professor and president of the Association of Public Data Users, addressed wider concerns in a recent online forum. According to her, the dismantling of institutional support for statistical work—including terminated contracts and staff departures—is threatening the very foundation of the U.S. data ecosystem.
At the beginning of May, the Census Bureau reported 18 key leadership vacancies. Since the resignation of director Rob Santos earlier this year, Ron Jarmin has stepped in as acting director, exacerbating the instability. Compounding the issue, the Commerce Department recently disbanded several advisory committees comprised of demographers, statisticians, and experts from advocacy organizations who formerly guided Census policy.
An Inspector General’s report released in March underscored long-standing challenges in retaining qualified personnel, citing recruitment shortfalls and operational delays. Without stable leadership and expert consultation, the Census Bureau’s ability to maintain high-quality, trusted data is increasingly in jeopardy.
“There’s a lot of anxiety,” said O’Hara. “People are worried that the foundational information they rely on is no longer guaranteed. The risk is real and immediate.”
As DOGE continues to scrutinize federal data operations, the integrity and continuity of national statistics hang in the balance—leaving researchers, policymakers, and the public facing a growing uncertainty about the future of informed governance.
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