As Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency seeks budgetary cuts within federal agencies, he and his team have made numerous unverified or inaccurate statements regarding government expenditures, frequently inflating the narrative of waste and fraud.
Key Facts
– Various misleading claims regarding federal spending, particularly concerning agencies like USAID and FEMA, have gained traction on social media platforms, with endorsements from prominent figures including Musk and Bill Ackman.
– During a recent appearance with former President Donald Trump, Musk admitted, “some of the things that I say will be incorrect,” while defending an unsubstantiated assertion that USAID allocated $50 million for condoms in Gaza.
Did DOGE Save $8 Billion By Cutting an Ice Contract?
No. Recently, DOGE listed a purported $8 billion savings from canceling a technical support contract with ICE’s Office of Diversity and Civil Rights. However, the contract’s actual revised value was only $8 million, with only $2.5 million spent, leading to a realistic saving of around $5.5 million. The figures on DOGE’s site have since been corrected to reflect an $8 million saving.
Did DOGE Shut Down Jimmy Carter’s Atlanta Office?
Not quite. DOGE claimed savings of $128,233 from closing an office in Atlanta linked to former President Carter. GSA data indicates this property was under lease from the Carter Center. The funding for former presidents would have been current until Dec. 30, 2024, predating his anticipated passing.
Is Widespread Fraud Rampant in Social Security?
Musk asserted that the Social Security Administration is fraught with fraud, claiming many payments are issued to deceased individuals. While fraud exists, reports indicate that errors constitute under 1% of total payments from 2015-2023, and payments to the deceased, though problematic, are significantly less widespread than Musk’s claims suggest.
Is There Gold Missing From Fort Knox?
Musk cast doubt about the integrity of the gold reserves at Fort Knox, suggesting a need for verification. However, there is no substantial evidence supporting claims of missing gold. Some lawmakers, like Sen. Rand Paul, supported Musk’s call for audits but acknowledged the presence of the gold itself.
Did the Government Pay Reuters for “Social Deception”?
No. Musk shared claims that the Department of Defense allocated $9 million to Reuters for a “social deception” initiative. The payment was actually for Thomson Reuters Special Services for research on protecting against social engineering, not an attempt to manipulate public perception.
Did FEMA Spend $59 Million on Migrant Housing in Luxury Hotels?
Not accurately. FEMA allocated $59 million to New York recently, but this funding is part of a broader reimbursement scheme totaling about $237 million for migrant housing, unrelated to emergency relief efforts, and funds were not exclusively for luxury accommodations as suggested by Musk.
Are Anti-Doge Protests Funded by NGOs?
Musk amplified a speculative assertion that protests against him and DOGE are financed by corrupt NGOs, a claim made by podcaster Joe Rogan without substantiation. There is no evidence linking these protests to NGO funding or organization, even as several have arisen across states in response to various political issues.
Are Bureaucrats Earning Tens of Millions Off Taxpayer Funds?
Musk alleged that federal employees, such as those at USAID, are profiting fraudulently from taxpayers. He failed to provide specific examples or names to support these claims, which lack verifiable evidence of wrongdoing.
Is USAID Engaged in Money Laundering?
No verifiable evidence supports Musk’s claim that USAID operates as a conduit for money laundering for leftist organizations. While the agency has faced scrutiny for oversight, allegations of its involvement in criminal activities remain unfounded.
Did Samantha Power Earn $23 Million as USAID Chief?
No. Musk reacted to a claim regarding Samantha Power earning an exorbitant amount while leading USAID. However, her documented salary was approximately $183,100, and no evidence shows she amassed wealth in the millions from her position, with her financial disclosures totaling significantly less than claimed.
