Federal agencies play unique and crucial roles in the day-to-day functioning of the U.S. government. They are not just bureaucratic structures but entities with specific missions that contribute to the well-being of all citizens. Read part two here.

These missions range from national defense to public health and environmental protection. Operating under the executive branch, these agencies are overseen by Cabinet secretaries appointed by the president and confirmed by Congress. These leaders are responsible for implementing federal laws, managing public programs, and ensuring the government works for the common good of the American people.

Federal agencies are strategically designed to serve specialized roles and provide a balance of power. They function as tools of the executive branch, ensuring swift government action in emergencies, law enforcement, and policy implementation. However, their actions are not unchecked. They are accountable to Congress, which controls the agencies’ budgets and can pass legislation to adjust their powers. This system of checks and balances ensures that the agencies operate within their designated roles and powers.

The role of these agencies is deeply tied to the health of our democracy.

They ensure checks and balances, promote transparency, and work for collective welfare. They are essential for upholding the rule of law, protecting individual rights, and maintaining national and economic security. Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Defense (DoD), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ensure that America remains a safe, healthy, and functioning democracy. Each agency operates independently within its mission but remains accountable to the Constitution, the President, and the American people.

If Project 2025—a plan outlined by the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society—succeeds, it could severely dismantle the structure of these agencies, leading to a hollowed-out federal system. Removing critical services, staff reductions, and privatization would harm their efficiency and risk weakening the foundations that safeguard democracy.

Below, I explore the role of federal agencies, their importance, and what could happen if Trump and his allies succeed in cutting their budgets and authority.

Department of Defense (DoD), Secretary Lloyd Austin

The Mission: Provide military forces to protect the country’s security. Key components include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Space Force, which ensure national defense and security. Reports to the executive branch and the President as Commander in Chief and costs Americans $842 billion annually.

• The Integrated Deterrence Strategy seeks to integrate military power with other forms of national power, such as diplomacy, economic tools, and alliances. The goal is to present a unified front that deters adversaries from aggressive actions across various domains, including land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.
• Climate Adaptation Plan addressing the security risks posed by climate change. This initiative focuses on making the military more resilient to climate impacts, reducing the DoD’s carbon footprint, and preparing for potential climate-related conflicts and natural disasters that could destabilize regions critical to U.S. security.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Reforms focus on increasing diversity in the ranks, creating a more inclusive environment, and addressing issues like extremism, sexual harassment, and discrimination. The goal is to ensure the military reflects the nation’s values and fosters a professional, respectful workplace for all service members.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

The Mission: Protect the U.S. from terrorism, manage border security and immigration, and respond to natural disasters. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and FEMA are vital agencies that report to the executive branch under the Secretary of Homeland Security. The 2024 budget is $103 billion.

• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Initiative strengthens the nation’s cybersecurity defenses through initiatives driven by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This effort focuses on securing critical infrastructure, preventing cyberattacks, and collaborating with private-sector partners to defend against growing cyber threats.
• Border Security and Immigration Reform focused on modernizing border security and immigration systems. This includes improving the processing of asylum claims, enhancing technology at the U.S.-Mexico border, and addressing root causes of migration from Central America through international partnerships and humanitarian aid.
• Countering Domestic Violent Extremism (DVE) by launching initiatives focusing on identifying, preventing, and responding to homegrown terrorism. This involves working closely with local law enforcement, using data-driven approaches, and developing resources to combat extremist ideologies while safeguarding civil rights and liberties.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Secretary Xavier Becerra

The Mission: Ensure public health and provide essential human services through agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—reports to the executive branch. The 2024 budget is $1.7 trillion (mandatory) and $144.3 billion (discretionary).

• Expanding Access to Healthcare, particularly by strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This includes increasing enrollment in ACA marketplaces, lowering the cost of premiums, and expanding Medicaid coverage to underserved populations. The goal is to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for millions.
• Addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic and Public Health Preparedness ensuring preparedness for future public health crises. This includes efforts to distribute vaccines, provide testing, expand healthcare capacity, and fund research into treatments for COVID-19 while also building stronger public health infrastructure to manage future emergencies.
• Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Support to expand mental health care access, increase funding for substance use disorder treatment programs, and address the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Initiatives include improving treatment options for those struggling with addiction and increasing support for mental health services across the country.

Department of the Treasury, Secretary Janet Yellen

The Mission: Manages the country’s finances, including federal revenue collection, public debt, and fiscal policy. Key agencies include the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)—which reports to the executive branch. The 2024 budget is $16.6 billion.

• Economic Recovery and Stimulus Efforts include overseeing the distribution of funds from the American Rescue Plan and ensuring that stimulus payments, expanded unemployment benefits, and support for small businesses reach those in need. The focus is stabilizing the economy, reducing unemployment, and promoting inclusive growth.
• Addressing Global Tax Reforms, including advocating for a global minimum corporate tax. This initiative aims to prevent multinational corporations from avoiding taxes by shifting profits to low-tax jurisdictions. The goal is to create a more equitable international tax system and ensure that companies pay their fair share, reducing tax evasion and promoting global economic fairness.
• Tackling Climate Change through Financial Policy by integrating climate risks into financial policies and the U.S. financial system. This includes initiatives to assess and manage climate-related risks to the economy, promote sustainable investments, and encourage a transition to a low-carbon economy. The Treasury is working to align financial policies with broader climate goals, including supporting green energy initiatives and reducing carbon emissions.

Department of Transportation (DOT), Secretary Pete Buttigieg

The Mission: Oversees the nation’s transportation systems, including highways, railroads, and air travel. Key agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), report to the executive branch. The 2024 budget is $105 billion.

• Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Implementation provides historic funding to rebuild and modernize U.S. infrastructure. This includes investments in roads, bridges, public transit, railways, ports, and airports. The initiative aims to improve transportation networks, reduce congestion, enhance safety, and create jobs while focusing on sustainability and innovation in infrastructure development.
• Promoting Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Clean Energy Transportation includes expanding the national EV charging network, promoting EV adoption, and funding research and development for sustainable transportation technologies. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, align with the Biden administration’s climate goals, and ensure the U.S. leads in clean transportation innovation.
• Road Safety and Vision Zero Initiative aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries on U.S. roadways. This initiative focuses on enhancing road design, improving vehicle safety standards, enforcing traffic laws, and promoting safe driving behavior. The DOT is working with local governments and communities to implement data-driven strategies to make streets safer for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

Department of Justice (DOJ), Attorney General Merrick Garland

The Mission: Enforce federal laws, ensure public safety, and prosecute criminal cases. Key agencies include the FBI, ATF, and DEA, which report to the executive branch, headed by the Attorney General. The 2024 budget is $40 billion.

• Protecting Voting Rights by challenging restrictive voting laws and practices that may disenfranchise minority groups. The DOJ is actively involved in litigation against state laws that limit access to the ballot box as part of an effort to uphold the Voting Rights Act and ensure fair elections. This includes addressing voter suppression and enhancing election security to maintain the integrity of the democratic process.
• Combatting Domestic Terrorism and Extremism, heightened in the wake of the January 6 Capitol attack, involves increasing investigations into violent extremist groups, strengthening coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement, and prosecuting individuals involved in acts of domestic terrorism. The DOJ also works to prevent extremist activities through intelligence gathering and interagency cooperation.
• Civil Rights Enforcement includes tackling systemic issues such as racial discrimination, police misconduct, and hate crimes. The DOJ is increasing oversight of law enforcement practices through pattern-and-practice investigations, pursuing justice for victims of civil rights violations, and enforcing anti-discrimination laws in areas like housing, employment, and education to ensure equal protection under the law.

Department of Energy (DOE), Secretary Jennifer Granholm

The Mission: Manages the country’s energy supply, develops nuclear energy, and oversees atomic weapons. Key focus areas include energy research and renewable energy projects—reports to the Executive Branch. The 2024 budget is $52 billion.

• Clean Energy Transition and Climate Goals to achieve a carbon-free electricity sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050. This initiative includes promoting renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower, investing in energy storage, grid modernization, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors.
• Building a Domestic Clean Energy Supply Chain by increasing the production of electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and other renewable energy technologies within the U.S. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign energy sources, create jobs, and ensure that the U.S. leads in clean energy manufacturing and innovation.
• Advanced Energy Research and Innovation focuses on funding breakthrough technologies like carbon capture, nuclear energy, hydrogen fuel, and energy efficiency. The goal is to foster cutting-edge energy innovations to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future while maintaining U.S. competitiveness in global energy markets.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Administrator Michael S. Regan

The Mission: Protects human health and the environment by regulating pollutants and enforcing environmental laws—reports to the executive branch. The 2024 budget is $12 billion.

• Combatting Climate Change and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions with initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This includes the Clean Power Plan 2.0, which seeks to limit emissions from power plants and implement stricter vehicle emissions standards. The EPA also promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency to help the U.S. meet its international climate commitments.
• Environmental Justice Initiative to address the disproportionate environmental and health impacts faced by low-income and minority communities. This includes increasing enforcement against polluters in these areas, improving access to clean air and water, and providing resources for communities most affected by environmental hazards. The initiative focuses on ensuring all Americans benefit from environmental protections.
• PFAS Contamination and Clean Water Protections by removing (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) contamination, known as “forever chemicals,” which pose significant health risks. The EPA is working to regulate and clean up PFAS contamination in drinking water and establish stricter limits on industrial discharges of these harmful substances. Regan has also emphasized restoring protections under the Clean Water Act to safeguard wetlands and streams from pollution.

Department of Agriculture (USDA), Secretary Tom Vilsack

The Mission: Manages agricultural policy, food safety, and rural development. Key agencies include the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Forest Service. It reports to the executive branch. The 2024 budget is $212 billion.

• The Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Initiative focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector while enhancing the capacity of farms and forests to sequester carbon. This includes funding and technical support for farmers to implement sustainable practices like cover cropping, no-till farming, and reforestation efforts to mitigate climate change impacts.
• Food Security and Nutrition Programs, mainly through initiatives like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and school meal programs. These efforts include increasing access to healthy food for low-income families, addressing food deserts, and promoting better nutrition to improve public health outcomes.
• Rural Development and Infrastructure Investment focuses on revitalizing rural communities through infrastructure investment. This includes expanding rural broadband access, improving water and energy infrastructure, and supporting rural businesses and farmers. The initiative aims to ensure rural areas are included in economic recovery efforts and have access to the resources needed to thrive in a modern economy.

Social Security Administration (SSA), Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi

The Mission: Administers Social Security, providing benefits to retirees, the disabled, and survivors of deceased workers. Reports to the executive branch. The 2024 budget is $1.2 trillion.

• Improving Customer Service and Modernizing Technology to improve customer service and reduce delays in processing Social Security benefits. This includes expanding online services, reducing wait times for in-person and phone appointments, and updating internal systems to handle claims more efficiently. The goal is to make Social Security services more accessible and responsive to beneficiaries’ needs.
• Addressing Social Security Trust Fund Solvency involves working with lawmakers to explore solutions to secure the program’s financial future while maintaining benefits for retirees, disabled individuals, and other beneficiaries. Strategies under consideration include potential reforms to payroll taxes and benefit structures to extend the fund’s viability.
• Equity in Social Security Benefits by reviewing policies and data to ensure that underserved populations, including women, minorities, and low-income workers, receive fair access to benefits. This initiative includes targeted outreach and program adjustments to reduce disparities and improve the retirement security of vulnerable groups.

Department of Education, Secretary Miguel Cardona

The Mission: Ensures access to quality education and oversees federal student loans and educational standards—reports to the executive branch. The 2024 budget is $90 billion.

• Expanding Access to Quality Education through efforts to close the achievement gap for underserved students. This initiative includes increasing funding for Title I schools, promoting early childhood education, and improving access to higher education for low-income and minority students. Cardona aims to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to equitable educational opportunities.
• Student Loan Debt Relief and Reform by implementing targeted debt relief for low-income borrowers, improving the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, and exploring broader reforms to make higher education more affordable. The goal is to ease the burden of student debt and make college more accessible for future generations.
• Strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE) to align education with workforce needs better. This initiative involves increasing funding for vocational training, apprenticeships, and partnerships with industry to prepare students for high-demand careers. Cardona aims to provide more pathways to success for students who choose alternatives to traditional four-year college degrees.

Federal Reserve System, Chairman Jerome Powell

The Mission: Regulates the nation’s monetary policy, controls inflation, and ensures financial stability. Essential functions include setting interest rates and managing the money supply. Reports to Congress and operates independently from the executive branch. The 2024 budget is $7 billion.

• Managing Inflation and Monetary Policy involves adjusting interest rates and implementing quantitative easing or tightening. The goal is to maintain stable prices while promoting maximum employment, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions. Powell’s leadership is crucial in balancing curbing inflation and sustaining economic growth.
• Economic Recovery and Employment with a strong focus on boosting employment. The Federal Reserve has implemented policies to keep interest rates low and promote lending to stimulate the economy. Powell’s goal is to help bring unemployment down to pre-pandemic levels while ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and benefits all Americans, particularly those hardest hit by the economic downturn.
• Strengthening Financial System Stability includes monitoring and addressing risks in the banking and financial sectors, enforcing regulations designed to prevent systemic risks, and promoting resilience in the face of economic shocks. The Federal Reserve is also exploring the role of emerging technologies, such as digital currencies, and their potential impacts on financial stability.

Department of Commerce, Secretary Gina Raimondo

The Mission: Promote economic growth, supports business, and gathers critical financial data. Key agencies, including the U.S. Census Bureau and NOAA, report to the executive branch. The 2024 budget is $14.8 billion.

• Advancing U.S. Competitiveness and Innovation includes the CHIPS for America Act, which aims to increase domestic semiconductor manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. The initiative also invests in research and development in key industries like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology to maintain U.S. leadership in global markets.
• Expanding Broadband Access by expanding high-speed internet access across the country, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The program aims to close the digital divide, ensuring that every American has reliable internet access for education, work, and healthcare, thus promoting economic growth and equity.
• Climate and Sustainability Efforts by fostering clean energy industries and promoting sustainable economic growth. This includes initiatives to support green technologies, reduce emissions, and help industries transition to more sustainable practices. The Commerce Department also ensures that U.S. businesses are prepared to compete in the global shift toward a green economy.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Secretary Denis McDonough

The Mission: Provides healthcare, benefits, and services to veterans and their families—reports to the executive branch. The 2024 budget is $325 billion.

• Expanding Access to Healthcare for Veterans, mainly through expanding telehealth services and modernizing VA healthcare facilities. This initiative includes reducing wait times, increasing mental health services, and ensuring that veterans in rural areas receive the care they need. The VA is also working to improve care for women veterans and address their unique healthcare challenges.
• Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support by increasing outreach to veterans at risk, expanding access to crisis support, and providing comprehensive mental health services. The VA is working with community partners and using data-driven approaches to reduce the veteran suicide rate and ensure that all veterans receive the mental health care they need.
• Veterans Benefits and Claims Modernization to make it more efficient and accessible. This includes improving the speed and accuracy of claims processing, expanding access to disability benefits, and upgrading the VA’s digital infrastructure. The goal is to reduce backlogs, ensure that veterans receive timely benefits, and streamline the process to access the support they have earned.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Chair Jessica Rosenworcel

The Mission: Regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. Reports to Congress, but commissioners are appointed by the President. The 2024 budget is $410 million.

• Expanding Broadband Access and Closing the Digital Divide, particularly in rural and underserved areas, through initiatives like the Emergency Broadband Benefit and the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). These programs aim to provide affordable, high-speed internet access to low-income households and communities, ensuring that all Americans can participate in the digital economy, access remote education, and use telehealth services.
• Improving Network Resiliency and Emergency Communications to ensure they can withstand natural disasters, cyberattacks, and other emergencies. This includes promoting policies that enhance the reliability of wireless and broadband infrastructure and improve coordination between federal, state, and local agencies for emergency communication systems. The FCC aims to ensure that essential communication services remain operational during crises.
• Advancing 5G Deployment and Spectrum Management by making more spectrum available for commercial use and addressing regulatory barriers to 5G infrastructure development. The initiative aims to enhance the country’s wireless capabilities, support innovation in industries like healthcare and transportation, and maintain U.S. leadership in global telecommunications technology. The FCC also ensures that 5G technology is deployed equitably, reaching underserved and rural communities.

As Promised: Examples of Initiatives From the Trump administration:

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – Ajit Pai
Net Neutrality Repeal: Under Chairman Pai, the FCC repealed Obama-era net neutrality regulations, which required internet service providers to treat all web traffic equally. This led to concerns about internet freedom and access.

Department of Defense (DoD) – James Mattis/Mark Esper
Operation Warp Speed: While primarily a healthcare initiative, the DoD played a critical role in the logistics and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines under this program, which aimed to accelerate the development and distribution of vaccines.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Kirstjen Nielsen/Chad Wolf
Family Separation Policy: As part of the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy, DHS oversaw the controversial practice of separating children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border to deter illegal immigration.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Alex Azar
Title X Family Planning Program Changes: The Trump administration restricted federal funding for family planning programs that referred patients to abortion services, significantly affecting organizations like Planned Parenthood.

Department of the Treasury – Steven Mnuchin
2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: The Treasury Department under Mnuchin played a key role in implementing the 2017 tax reform, which reduced corporate tax rates and revised the individual tax brackets.

Department of Transportation (DOT) – Elaine Chao
Deregulation of Autonomous Vehicles: The Trump administration focused on loosening regulations to encourage the development of autonomous vehicles, with Chao leading efforts to create a framework that supported innovation in transportation technologies.

Department of Justice (DOJ) – Jeff Sessions/William Barr
First Step Act: Under the Trump administration, the DOJ helped pass this bipartisan criminal justice reform bill, which aimed to reduce recidivism, improve prison conditions, and provide sentence reductions for certain offenders.

Department of Energy (DOE) – Rick Perry/Dan Brouillette
Promotion of Fossil Fuels: The DOE under Trump focused heavily on “energy dominance,” promoting the use of fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, and rolling back regulations on energy production.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Scott Pruitt/Andrew Wheeler
Repeal of the Clean Power Plan: The EPA under Trump repealed the Obama-era Clean Power Plan, which aimed to reduce carbon emissions from power plants, replacing it with the less stringent Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule.

Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Sonny Perdue
Trade Aid to Farmers: In response to the impact of Trump’s trade war with China, the USDA provided billions of dollars in direct payments to farmers to offset losses from retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products.

Social Security Administration (SSA) – Andrew Saul (nominated in 2018)
Disability Benefit Changes: The Trump administration proposed changes to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), including stricter reviews and work requirements for those receiving disability benefits.

Department of Education – Betsy DeVos
Student Loan Borrower Defense Rollback: DeVos led efforts to roll back Obama-era protections that made it easier for student loan borrowers to seek forgiveness if their colleges engaged in fraudulent practices.

Federal Reserve System – Jerome Powell
Interest Rate Hikes (2017-2018): Under Chairman Powell, the Fed raised interest rates several times in 2017 and 2018 to normalize monetary policy after years of near-zero rates following the financial crisis.

Department of Commerce – Wilbur Ross
2020 Census Citizenship Question: The Trump administration, led by Ross, attempted to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census, arguing that it was necessary to enforce voting rights, though the Supreme Court ultimately blocked the effort.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Robert Wilkie
VA MISSION Act: The Trump administration passed this law to expand access to healthcare for veterans by allowing them to seek care outside the VA system under certain conditions, increasing veterans’ healthcare options.