A recent investigation by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has revealed widespread fraud within unemployment insurance programs, uncovering $382 million in improper payments since 2020. The agency reports that California, New York, and Massachusetts were responsible for the vast majority of these irregularities – a combined total of $305 million.
The findings highlight concerns regarding oversight in states controlled by Democratic leadership, as all three possess both “trifecta” and “triplex” control, meaning Democrats hold sway over the state House, Senate, governorship, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and related offices.
Of particular note is California’s role in distributing benefits to individuals flagged by federal authorities. DOGE stated that 68% of unemployment assistance provided to parolees with either criminal records or who appear on the government’s terrorist watchlist originated from California.
The scope of fraudulent activity extends beyond these high-profile cases. DOGE’s examination revealed a disturbing pattern:
- Tens of thousands of recipients were listed as being over 115 years old, between the ages of 1 and 5, or with birthdates that have not yet occurred.
- Hundreds of individuals admitted into the country under the Biden administration, often with minimal screening, subsequently filed claims for public benefits.
“This is another incredible discovery by the DOGE team, finding nearly $400 million in fraudulent unemployment payments,” stated Labor Department Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “The Labor Department is committed to recovering Americans’ stolen tax dollars. We will catch these thieves and keep working to root out egregious fraud.”
DOGE has also taken steps to eliminate wasteful spending, terminating 108 contracts deemed inefficient, including one for an “Executive Transformational Leadership Training Program.”
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields attributed the population movement away from Democrat-led states to economic mismanagement and progressive policies. “There’s a reason for the mass exodus from Democrat-run states that have mismanaged their economies and driven residents to the nearest Republican-led state. High taxes, poor stewardship of taxpayer dollars and progressive policies continue to yield negative results, which is why Americans overwhelmingly support the work of DOGE,”
he told Fox News Digital.
The Trump administration previously ended parole for individuals with criminal records or those on the FBI’s terror watchlist. DOGE estimates that over 6,000 people fitting this description have accessed public benefits, including approximately $42,000 through unemployment insurance, as well as funds from federal student loan programs and food stamp initiatives.
