Most outrageous government tax waste revealed

On his 100th day in office, President Donald Trump announced a major success for his new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as it achieved a significant reduction in federal waste.

DOGE, led by Elon Musk, has reported cutting at least $160 billion, aiming for a total savings target of $2 trillion in federal expenditures.

The department, established through an executive order on Trump's inauguration day, has been scrutinizing governmental practices to cut wasteful spending. Elon Musk, serving as a "special government employee," holds a key role in DOGE's operations, although by agreement, he is limited to working 130 days a year for the federal government, with his time concluding on May 30.

Significant Findings and Political Responses

The efforts of DOGE have led to divergent reactions along political lines, with Republicans largely praising the agency's success while Democrats remain critical of its methods and implications. Among the controversies DOGE has uncovered is the payment of $132,000 sent by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) to a former Taliban member, Mohammad Qasem Halimi, a contract subsequently canceled on March 31.

A DOGE staffer humorously commented on USIP's resistance, noting the irony of their discord given the agency’s mission for peace. Moreover, DOGE has criticized USIP for extravagant spending, listing expenses on private jets and high-profile contracts as key examples of fiscal mismanagement. Musk remarked that such expenses equate to "partying on the taxpayers' dollars."

Furthermore, DOGE's revelations extend to uncovered waste from COVID-relief funds, totaling $200 billion. These funds reportedly were spent with insufficient oversight, with expenditures on events and amenities, which drew significant public scrutiny.

Reckless Spending of COVID-Relief Funds

Instances of misallocated COVID-relief funds were highlighted, including $86,000 spent by schools on conference accommodations at Caesars Palace, alongside $393,000 to rent a Major League Baseball stadium. These revelations underscored DOGE's concerns about the accountability of fund utilization during the pandemic.

One significant area revealed by DOGE's audit focused on USAID, which had authorized a $20 million investment to create a 'Sesame Street' program in Iraq during the Biden administration. This expenditure sparked criticism, with Sen. Joni Ernst pointing out what she perceived as unnecessary use of resources.

In another instance, DOGE's review revealed a decline in improper payments as reported by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), with $162 billion noted for 2024—a reduction of $74 billion from the prior year. This diminution primarily affected five major federal programs.

Controversial Cuts Across Governmental Programs

Through its incisive audits, DOGE has also zeroed in on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) spending across federal agencies, identifying savings amounting to hundreds of millions. Among the changes, 402 DEI grants from the National Science Foundation were canceled, resulting in significant cost reductions.

The Department of Defense (DOD) was also among DOGE's targets, with potential savings projected up to $80 million by eliminating specific DEI initiatives. DOGE’s investigation found extensive amounts spent on various DEI-focused activities, as noted by DOD spokesman Sean Parnell.

The efforts led by Elon Musk have intensified under President Trump's administration, igniting substantive reforms across several governmental agencies and institutions. The aim is not just to cut waste but also to realign priorities towards more efficient use of taxpayer dollars.