DFC is at a pivotal juncture. The Trump administration has established government-wide priorities centered on making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. To help advance these goals, DFC has been tasked with significant new responsibilities. These responsibilities include partnering with Ukraine on the United States–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund and focusing investments in new sectors, such as nuclear energy technology, artificial intelligence, and drone technology. Further, DFC faces reauthorization and current proposals call for dramatically increasing the Corporation’s contingent liability and expanding the use of equity, among other changes.
In addition to new responsibilities, DFC has experienced leadership turnover. DFC did not have a permanent CEO for most of 2025, 3 and its public sector board members and politically appointed leadership are new to DFC. DFC also experienced a 25 percent workforce reduction with many employees retiring or taking the administration’s deferred resignation program. Thus, the Corporation must position itself to take on new responsibilities and prioritize investments in new sectors with fewer staff. This year’s Top Management Challenges identifies three key items DFC should consider: (1) Updating the Strategic Plan Due to Changes in Priorities and Leadership; (2) Developing a Strategic Workforce Plan; and (3) Streamlining the Origination Process. Addressing these challenges will help DFC achieve its mission.
