Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo Under Fire for Alleged Favoritism Towards Steve Davis
Governor Joe Lombardo of Nevada faces criticism over alleged preferential treatment given to business executive Steve Davis, a former key figure in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Since January, DOGE has been responsible for significant reductions in federal program funding that affected thousands of Nevadans, resulting in widespread job losses among federal employees in the state.
Steve Davis served as the acting head of DOGE from January to May 2025. Before this role, he was president of The Boring Company (TBC), which is constructing an underground tunnel system in Las Vegas utilizing Tesla vehicles.
In December 2024, an incident occurred during a training exercise where two Clark County firefighters were injured inside a TBC tunnel. The firefighters sustained burns and permanent scars due to chemical exposure used in TBC’s construction processes. TBC staff reportedly suffered similar injuries.
The Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) imposed a $400,000 fine on TBC for unsafe working conditions and lack of adequate protective equipment for workers. According to Fortune magazine, Davis contacted Lombardo’s office hours after the penalties were issued. The fines were subsequently rescinded without much explanation last month.
Mike Pilchner, a retired member of the International Association of Fire Fighters union, expressed concern to KVVU, stating, “I’m deeply alarmed by what appears to be interference in Nevada’s workplace safety.”
Governor Lombardo had previously commended Davis’ contributions to DOGE. His press office quoted him in February 2025, saying, “We need DOGE reforms in Nevada!”
Davis actively advocated for reductions in funding for medical research grants, notably affecting a $120 million grant aimed at studying drug overdose prevention at Nevada universities.
DOGE also revoked an $8.4 million grant intended to support mental health services for homeless children in Nevada, impacting approximately 15,000 children with unstable housing, according to the Nevada Home Alliance.
In March, DOGE terminated the employment of all General Services Administration (GSA) staff in Nevada, including those who were responsible for overseeing the cleanliness of drinking water at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Additionally, USDA and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees in Nevada were dismissed.
Although Davis is no longer officially part of DOGE, reports suggest he continues to be consulted on significant agency decisions.
As Governor Lombardo seeks reelection next year, his potential Democratic challenger is state Attorney General Aaron Ford.
The post Lombardo blasted for backing DOGE over injured firefighters appeared first on American Journal News.
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