A census worker with a briefcase knocks on the door of a home in Winter Park, Florida, on August 11, 2020. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
A group launched by Elon Musk, called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is now taking aim at the U.S. Census Bureau. Its actions are causing alarm among researchers, policymakers, and others who rely on accurate federal data. DOGE, tied to efforts for federal budget cuts in a possible second Trump term, recently announced it had halted five surveys worth around $16.5 million. The names of these surveys weren’t shared, but their content included questions on topics like alcohol use and home internet habits.
While DOGE claims these surveys are unnecessary and a waste of taxpayer money, many experts argue the opposite. They say the loss of these surveys could damage the country’s ability to make informed decisions based on facts.
Beth Jarosz, a senior director at the nonpartisan Population Reference Bureau, suspects the cuts might include key programs like the Survey of Inmates in Local Jails and an internet-based survey known as Ask U.S. Panel. Both play a role in helping other agencies like the Justice and Defense Departments gather critical insights.
Jarosz also raised a serious legal issue—government surveys can’t just be canceled without public notice and comment. Skipping this process could break federal law. She emphasized, “This information belongs to the people. Taxpayers fund this data, and they deserve access to it unless they choose otherwise.”
Terri Ann Lowenthal, a former congressional staffer who now advises on census-related work, believes DOGE is making misguided judgments. She argues that cherry-picking survey questions and labeling them as “non-essential” shows a deep lack of understanding about how the Census Bureau functions. She also warned that continued disruption could undermine preparations for the upcoming 2030 Census.
Lowenthal pointed to the importance of planned test runs for the next census, scheduled for six areas including Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. These practice runs are vital to ensure that the full national count—used to assign congressional seats and guide the distribution of trillions in federal funds—goes smoothly. But delays in planning can’t be easily recovered. Each stage of census prep depends on the last, making the process tightly scheduled and extremely fragile.
This disruption is happening during a time of growing worry about the nation’s statistical foundation. According to Amy O’Hara, a Georgetown University professor and president of the Association of Public Data Users, cuts, staff losses, and uncertainty are all chipping away at a vital system. O’Hara voiced concern during a recent forum, warning that the data people rely on for research, funding, and policy decisions may soon be unavailable.
Nearly 1,300 Census Bureau employees have taken early retirement or resigned recently, said Johnny Zuagar of the Census AFGE Council 241, the union representing staff. At the leadership level, the bureau has 18 vacancies, and its chief operating officer is currently acting in place of the recently resigned director, Rob Santos. A March report by the Inspector General highlighted serious challenges in hiring and keeping staff, further threatening the bureau’s ability to carry out its mission.
Additionally, the Commerce Department—responsible for overseeing the Census Bureau—has disbanded advisory groups composed of experts who once offered valuable insights into the agency’s work. Without their guidance, the risk of poor decisions and flawed data collection grows.
“There’s fear that the information people depend on may disappear,” O’Hara warned. “Changes to programs and leadership may leave huge gaps in what was once trusted and reliable.”
