The Department of Energy (DOE) has instructed its employees to label documents related to the agency’s review of grants and contracts under the controversial DOGE initiative with "legal privilege," in a bid to prevent them from being disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
A memo obtained by Axios reveals that the DOE’s acting general counsel, David R. Taggart, issued the directive on March 17, outlining procedures for handling DOGE-related documents.
DOGE, which has been tasked with evaluating the efficiency and alignment of grants and contracts with DOE policies, has provided spreadsheets to DOE officials. These spreadsheets are to help identify which grants and contracts could potentially be flagged for termination or renegotiation.
The memo also directs political appointees within the DOE to assess whether each grant or contract is “efficient” and “consistent with DOE policies and priorities.” Taggart emphasized the importance of brevity and consistency when completing the spreadsheets, citing a "heavy litigation environment" surrounding the DOGE cuts.
The review process appears to cover multiple areas within the DOE, including its national laboratory system, as each laboratory is managed by private companies under contract. The DOE’s standard contracts contain provisions that allow for termination if an award no longer aligns with the department's goals or priorities.
The memo suggests that the process for enacting DOGE cuts may involve minimal scrutiny once the completed spreadsheets leave DOE offices. Officials have been encouraged to be as detailed as possible when filling out the documents to avoid overlooking specific nuances in contracts and grants, which could result in the wrongful termination of efficient agreements.
The move comes amid growing controversy surrounding the DOGE initiative and its potential impact on energy-related research and development funding.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk held a final press conference in the Oval Office to mark the official end of Musk’s role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Protesters gathered outside Tesla stores across the U.S. and Europe, denouncing Elon Musk’s role in government spending cuts under President Donald Trump. The demonstrations are part of a growing backlash against Musk’s influence in Washington.
In a newly issued executive order, the Trump administration has directed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to expand its review of federal spending by establishing centralized technological systems across all agencies.
In a significant clarification of roles within the Trump administration’s cost-cutting initiative, the White House has confirmed that Amy Gleason is the official acting administrator of DOGE - the Department of Government Efficiency.
Washington, D.C., February 17, 2025 – Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, has reduced the staffing of a key team at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) responsible for regulating autonomous vehicles, according to The Washington Post.
Türkiye’s first floating natural gas production platform, Osman Gazi, reached Filyos Port in Zonguldak on May 31.
Authorities in Whatcom County, Washington, issued a warning Friday after a truck carrying honey bee hives overturned near the Canadian border, initially prompting fears that millions of bees had been released.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
Landslides and flash floods caused by days of heavy monsoon rain have killed at least 22 people in India’s northeast, officials said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
An international academic conference titled "Islamophobia: Exposing Prejudice and Destroying Stigma" has officially opened in the capital of Azerbaijan, bringing together global scholars, experts, and policymakers to address the rise and consequences of anti-Muslim discrimination.
Türkiye’s first floating natural gas production platform, Osman Gazi, reached Filyos Port in Zonguldak on May 31.
Authorities in Whatcom County, Washington, issued a warning Friday after a truck carrying honey bee hives overturned near the Canadian border, initially prompting fears that millions of bees had been released.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
Landslides and flash floods caused by days of heavy monsoon rain have killed at least 22 people in India’s northeast, officials said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
Türkiye’s first floating natural gas production platform, Osman Gazi, reached Filyos Port in Zonguldak on May 31.
Authorities in Whatcom County, Washington, issued a warning Friday after a truck carrying honey bee hives overturned near the Canadian border, initially prompting fears that millions of bees had been released.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
Landslides and flash floods caused by days of heavy monsoon rain have killed at least 22 people in India’s northeast, officials said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
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