Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has arrived at the Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C., signaling potential job cuts at the historic agency. The Peace Corps confirmed that DOGE staff are currently working onsite, adding that the organization is supporting their requests. While the exact purpose of their visit remains unclear, previous DOGE appearances at federal agencies have often preceded layoffs.
Founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps has sent over 240,000 volunteers abroad to support education, health, and economic development. With an annual budget exceeding $400 million, the agency enjoys bipartisan support in Congress. However, it appears to be the latest target in President Donald Trump’s second-term initiative to slash soft power programs and streamline federal spending.
DOGE's presence has been followed by cuts at other institutions, including the recent furlough of 130 employees at the Wilson Center, a major foreign policy think tank. The arrival of DOGE staff at the Peace Corps headquarters—reportedly set to work through the weekend—has sparked anxiety among employees. Fridays have become known for large-scale federal layoffs since Trump's return to office on January 20.
Elon Musk, now a prominent figure in Trump’s administration, was recently photographed wearing a “Trump Was Right About Everything!” hat during a cabinet meeting, signaling alignment with the administration’s aggressive cost-cutting strategy.
The Peace Corps, historically viewed as a cornerstone of U.S. diplomacy and global goodwill, could now face restructuring or downsizing, further diminishing America’s soft power. DOGE has not responded to media inquiries, and the future of the agency remains uncertain as the federal workforce braces for further cuts.