Mississippi’s MOGE is working to expose waste, lately in HIV/AIDS grants
An investigation conducted by Mississippi State Auditor Shad White has uncovered several instances of wasteful spending of state HIV/AIDS grants. This comes as President Donald Trump faces criticism for cutting similar funding through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
White’s audit revealed that funds designated for HIV/AIDS initiatives were misused by some recipients to host a “Queer-ceanara” event, a Latinx pride month celebration inspired by the traditional Quinceañera. The report also found that taxpayer money intended for testing individuals for HIV/AIDS was used for frivolous expenses, such as cab rides in New York City that appeared to be related to bar-hopping.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, White discussed the findings of his report, which is part of Mississippi’s own version of DOGE known as “MOGE.” He emphasized the importance of scrutinizing grants passed from state agencies to non-profits to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.
“If this kind of abuse is happening in a red state like Mississippi, it raises concerns about similar practices in more financially permissive blue states,” White stated. “Our audit reveals that the money allocated for HIV/AIDS initiatives is not serving its intended purpose and is instead being wasted.”
The Trump administration has also faced scrutiny for cuts to HIV/AIDS research funding through the National Institutes of Health, with critics warning of dire consequences. White’s office is working diligently to identify and address instances of waste or fraud in the allocation of state taxpayer funds.
“Our audit underscores the significant fraud risk associated with grants passed from the federal government to state governments and then to non-profits,” White explained. “It is crucial for every state to follow President Trump’s lead in promoting government efficiency and accountability.”
As the investigation continues, White and his team are committed to rooting out misuse of taxpayer funds to ensure that resources are directed towards meaningful and impactful initiatives. The audit serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible stewardship of public funds and the need for transparency in government spending.
