March 12, 2026
Much drama, very DEI
Another DOGE staffer explaining how he flagged grants at NEH for "DEI"
Leaked NEH video sparks DEI brawl: “Define it” vs “Stop the purge”
TLDR: A leaked deposition shows a DOGE staffer flagged NEH grants for “DEI” review, now central to a lawsuit by academic groups—and alleged overreach by a Musk-linked network has politicians fuming. Commenters are split between calling it a political purge and insisting DEI harms merit, with receipts and sarcasm flying.
A leaked deposition video of Nathan Cavanaugh—named as a DOGE staffer—talking about flagging National Endowment for the Humanities grants for “DEI” (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) review lit the fuse, and the comments went nuclear. One camp says this looks like a political purge of culture and research funding, fueled by a lawsuit from academic groups and allegations (in that suit) that a Musk-linked “DOGE” network overreached on data and influence. A congressman’s fiery soundbite about a “shadow government” only amped the drama. Meanwhile, 404 Media says it’s reviewed hours of footage and more drops are coming, which sent rumor engines into overdrive.
But the real melee is over DEI itself. Skeptics showed up hard, with one poster blasting DEI as “racist and counterproductive,” while another demanded receipts: “Which companies are now struggling due to DEI?” Supporters fired back that targeting “DEI” on grant apps is code for axing diversity work outright. A helpful commenter dropped court docs and context while another rolled their eyes at the platform’s “nasty commentary.” The meme brigade? All over the “Doge” pun—“such grants, much canceled”—and a running gag about the “Define DEI” speedrun. It’s messy, loud, and very online—exactly how internet politics likes it.
Key Points
- •The article identifies Nathan Cavanaugh as a DOGE staffer who described flagging NEH grants for “DEI” to be reviewed for possible termination.
- •404 Media is said to have reviewed hours of related footage and plans further reporting.
- •The footage is described as part of a lawsuit involving ACLS, MLA, and AHA.
- •The article alleges Elon Musk/DOGE harvested personal records of 300 million Americans tied to efforts to overturn election results in certain states.
- •Representative John Larson is quoted condemning the alleged conduct as an assault on privacy, democracy, and the rule of law.