Dem states rocked by unemployment fraud over last four years, DOGE says
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has uncovered a staggering $382 million in fraudulent unemployment payments since 2020, with California, New York, and Massachusetts being identified as the main offenders. These three Democrat-led states were responsible for $305 million in improper claim payments, according to DOGE’s latest findings.
California, in particular, was singled out for accounting for 68% of the benefits distributed to parolees flagged by federal authorities as being on the government’s terrorist watchlist or having criminal records. The state, along with New York and Massachusetts, all have a Democratic trifecta, meaning Democrats control the state House, Senate, and the governor’s office, as well as a Democratic triplex, which includes party control of the Attorney General, Secretary of State, and governorship.
DOGE projects that it will save over $150 billion in fraud prevention by FY 2026, highlighting the importance of cracking down on improper payments and mismanagement of taxpayer funds. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields emphasized the need for accountability in Democrat-run states that have struggled with high taxes, poor stewardship, and progressive policies that have driven residents away.
In addition to uncovering fraudulent unemployment payments, DOGE also discovered that under the Biden administration, immigrants were admitted into the country with minimal screening, leading to over 6,000 individuals with criminal records or ties to terrorism entering the country unchecked. This lax screening process has raised concerns about national security and the potential for abuse of public benefits by individuals with questionable backgrounds.
DOGE’s efforts to root out wasteful spending and fraud have been commendable, with the agency recently terminating 108 contracts deemed “wasteful,” including an “Executive Transformational Leadership Training Program.” Labor Department Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer expressed determination to recover stolen tax dollars and hold fraudsters accountable for their actions.
The Trump administration’s decision to end parole for individuals with criminal records or ties to terrorism underscores the importance of rigorous screening processes to protect national security and prevent abuse of public benefits. Despite these efforts, DOGE’s findings highlight the ongoing challenges posed by fraud and mismanagement in government programs.
As the government continues to combat fraud and inefficiency, it is crucial for policymakers to prioritize transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds. By addressing these issues head-on, we can ensure that public resources are used effectively and ethically to benefit all Americans.
