DOGE reveals schools spent billions in COVID-relief funds on Las Vegas hotel rooms, an ice cream truck

Schools across the country have come under scrutiny for their spending of COVID-relief funds, with reports revealing extravagant expenses that had little to no impact on students. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, recently exposed how nearly $200 billion in relief funds were used without proper oversight or accountability.

One shocking example highlighted by DOGE was Granite Public Schools in Utah, which spent $86,000 on hotel rooms at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Similarly, Santa Ana Unified spent a whopping $393,000 to rent out a Major League Baseball stadium. Other questionable expenses included $60,000 on swimming pool passes and the purchase of an ice cream truck by a California district.

DOGE emphasized the need for stricter requirements when allocating the remaining $4 billion in funds, insisting that grantees must provide receipts for every purchase before receiving any funding. This move aims to prevent further misuse and ensure that the money is used effectively for the benefit of students.

The revelations about how COVID-relief funds have been spent have sparked outrage among local leaders and education groups nationwide. Critics have condemned the frivolous spending, with some describing it as an “absolute joke” and “outrageous.”

In addition to monitoring COVID-relief spending, DOGE has also targeted the Department of Education’s spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Last week, the department terminated $370 million in grants related to DEI training, including programs aimed at addressing biases and promoting anti-racist mindsets among educators.

The actions taken by DOGE reflect a broader effort to streamline government spending and prioritize accountability. By cracking down on wasteful expenditures and reallocating funds to more impactful initiatives, the Trump administration is aiming to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively.

As the debate over COVID-relief funds and DEI spending continues, it remains crucial for schools and government agencies to prioritize transparency and accountability in their financial decisions. By holding decision-makers accountable and demanding greater oversight, we can ensure that public funds are used responsibly to benefit those who need them most.