DOGE says $312M in loans given to 11-year-olds, amid more dozens more contract terminations
President Donald Trump’s relationship with his Cabinet members has been evolving, particularly in light of recent revelations from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk. Former White House chief information officer Theresa Payton weighed in on the matter, expressing her thoughts on the Army soldiers reportedly attempting to sell sensitive military information to China.
The DOGE made headlines with its announcement of contract terminations and uncovering of potential misuse of government funds. In a late Saturday announcement, the agency revealed that thousands of loans totaling over $300 million were granted to children aged 11 and younger by the Small Business Association (SBA). These loans, issued during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, were flagged as suspicious due to the incorrect naming of the loan recipients.
Furthermore, DOGE disclosed that the SBA had approved loans for individuals over 115 years old, with one recipient listed as 157 years old. President Trump highlighted these alarming statistics in his recent address to Congress, questioning the validity of payments made to individuals who are seemingly centuries old.
In response to these findings, DOGE took action by terminating nonessential contracts, including a $10.3 million Department of Agriculture contract aimed at identifying unnecessary expenditures. This move was part of a larger initiative that saw 162 contracts terminated, resulting in savings of $90 million.
Elon Musk, who heads the DOGE effort to combat wasteful spending, recently met with House Republicans to discuss the agency’s goal of uncovering up to $1 trillion in government waste. Despite the ambitious target, Musk expressed confidence in the team’s ability to achieve substantial savings, acknowledging that mistakes may occur but vowing to rectify them promptly.
As the Trump administration continues to address inefficiencies and financial mismanagement within the federal government, the collaboration between the President, Cabinet members, and agencies like DOGE becomes increasingly crucial. With a focus on transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility, the government aims to streamline operations and ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.
For the latest updates on government efficiency efforts and other news, stay tuned to Fox News Digital and Fox Business. You can reach out to writer Michael Dorgan at michael.dorgan@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan for more insights and analysis.
