NASA spent over $13 million on DEI under Biden while critical agency work flailed

NASA’s ‘Athena’ lander is set to touch down on the moon’s surface, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s continued exploration of space. Fox News senior correspondent Jonathan Serrie recently discussed this exciting development on ‘The Faulkner Focus,’ highlighting the importance of this mission for NASA.

However, amidst the success of the ‘Athena’ lander mission, NASA has faced challenges in recent years. Issues at the space agency grew under former President Joe Biden, with reports of mission-critical deficiencies and quality control problems. The failed Starliner capsule mission, which left two astronauts stranded in space, was a particularly notable setback for NASA.

Despite these challenges, NASA has prioritized embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives into its workforce. A new report from watchdog group OpenTheBooks revealed that NASA spent over $13 million on DEI efforts between 2021 and 2024. This investment in diversity and inclusion initiatives comes as part of a broader push by the Biden administration to embed equity considerations in federal government programs.

Under President Donald Trump, efforts were made to root out DEI programs in the federal government. However, these initiatives were reinstated by the Biden administration, leading to the integration of DEI principles into NASA’s day-to-day operations. This included the unveiling of a Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility and an Equity Action Plan aimed at promoting diversity in the agency’s workforce.

In addition to these initiatives, NASA also provided guidance for supporting gender transition and affirmation in the workplace. The agency’s commitment to diversity and inclusion was further underscored by the allocation of funding for DEI-related programs, including contracts with consulting groups to promote diversity, equity, and accessibility within NASA.

Despite these efforts, some have raised concerns about the potential distraction of identity politics in a high-stakes environment like NASA. John Hart, CEO of OpenTheBooks, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the agency’s core mission of space exploration, rather than getting bogged down in political considerations.

As NASA continues its exploration of space and prepares for future missions, the agency remains committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. While challenges may arise, NASA’s dedication to innovation and achievement is unwavering, ensuring that American citizens benefit from the agency’s efforts to push the boundaries of space exploration.