NASA's $13M DEI Spending Sparks Criticism Amid Space Mission Woes

NASA's priorities under the Biden administration have come under scrutiny as the space agency reportedly spent over $13 million on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives while facing critical technical and operational challenges. The watchdog group OpenTheBooks highlighted this juxtaposition in a recent report, questioning the allocation of resources during a turbulent period for NASA.

While NASA was working on its Starliner capsule mission — a project meant to transport astronauts to the International Space Station — the mission hit a snag, leaving two astronauts stranded in space for months due to rocket malfunctions. The eventual rescue mission involved Elon Musk's SpaceX, which stepped in to bring the astronauts back to Earth, a return expected later this month.

During the same period, NASA was reportedly ramping up its DEI-focused efforts. These included a range of activities such as employee book talks on anti-racism, strategic equity commitments, and DEI-related policies embedded in grants and contracts. Notable speakers like Uju Asika and Ibram X. Kendi were invited to address NASA staff on topics of race, colonialism, and systemic inequities.

In addition to promotional talks, NASA unveiled its 2022-2026 "Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity Inclusion & Accessibility," emphasizing race and sex-based hiring practices. The agency also introduced the 2022 Equity Action Plan, which required contractors to submit DEIA plans to demonstrate workforce diversification efforts. Even seemingly unrelated grant proposals were encouraged to incorporate DEI principles.

Adding to the list, NASA employees received guidance on workplace gender transition and affirmation, ensuring transitioning staff could use facilities aligned with their identity. Such measures have drawn mixed reactions, especially given the agency's simultaneous struggles with quality control in key missions.

The Starliner mission debacle highlighted broader issues within NASA's operations. An Inspector General report in 2024 detailed widespread quality control challenges, including insufficient experience among workers on the Space Launch System program aimed at returning astronauts to the moon.

Critics, including OpenTheBooks CEO John Hart, argue that NASA's "identity politics" focus is detracting from its primary mission. "Newtonian physics and atmospheric reentry don’t care about anti-racism talks or gender ‘affirmation’ policies," Hart said, calling for fiscal responsibility and a return to common sense.

In response to these challenges, the Trump administration has initiated a "phased reduction in force" at NASA, which includes shutting down the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch within the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity. Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro described the move as an opportunity to "reshape" NASA's workforce while adhering to statutory requirements and delivering an efficient agency.

NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner emphasized the agency's commitment to innovation and compliance with executive orders. "NASA is committed to engaging the best talent to drive innovation and achieve our mission for the benefit of all," Warner said, underscoring NASA's efforts to adapt to new guidance.

The debate over NASA’s budget priorities continues to unfold, leaving many wondering whether the agency's focus on DEI initiatives might be diverting attention and resources from its critical missions in space exploration.