The true scale of fraud against federal programs is far worse than previously acknowledged, with losses potentially reaching $750 billion annually according to Linda Miller, a former assistant director at the Government Accountability Office. This figure represents more than 11% of the government’s total spending last year—a percentage that would spell bankruptcy for any private sector business. Even the GAO’s official estimates, which range from $233 billion to $521 billion in annual losses, likely understate the problem.
Former GAO executive Linda Miller estimates federal fraud losses at $550-750 billion annually, representing over 11% of government spending
Foreign cybercriminals exploit disaster relief programs using stolen identities and targeted ZIP code data from affected areas
During the pandemic, approximately $1 trillion was lost to fraud, with substantial amounts funneled to criminal organizations in China and Russia
Despite the FBI’s ongoing security updates, fraudsters simply shift their tactics to target areas with weaker controls
Nearly all Americans’ personal information is available for purchase on the dark web, facilitating identity theft schemes
These astronomical losses represent more than just abstract numbers on a balance sheet—they’re tangible resources diverted from legitimate government functions and taxpayer services. While President Trump has repeatedly highlighted government waste as a core issue, the bureaucratic apparatus continues to facilitate what amounts to one of the largest ongoing thefts in American history, with minimal accountability or effective prevention measures.
Sophisticated Criminal Networks
The bulk of federal fraud isn’t committed by individuals falsifying benefit eligibility but by sophisticated criminal organizations, many operating from overseas. These networks use stolen identity information to file thousands of fraudulent applications for government benefits, creating a systematic approach to defrauding American taxpayers. During natural disasters, these criminals specifically target affected areas after purchasing stolen ZIP code data, allowing them to file seemingly legitimate claims for emergency assistance.
Pandemic Relief: A Trillion-Dollar Fraud Festival
The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented opportunities for fraud as the government rapidly distributed trillions in relief funds with minimal oversight. By some estimates, approximately $1 trillion was lost to fraud during this period alone, with significant amounts flowing to fraud rings based in adversarial nations like China and Russia. This represents not just financial waste but a massive transfer of American taxpayer wealth to foreign criminal enterprises and potentially hostile governments.
ICE detains 20 suspects during Martha’s Vineyard sweep
This week, the alphabet soup swept through Martha’s Vineyard, snatching up illegal immigrants.
According to local reports, at least 20 people were detained by the authorities.
An InsiderAdvantage poll shows President Trump’s approval rating has surged, with analysts attributing the rise to successful trade deals, economic improvements, and foreign policy gains, as other pollsters also report upward trends.
Bond yields have risen amid concerns over President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, but critics argue the Congressional Budget Office’s forecasts fail to account for revenue from Trump’s tariffs, which could offset debt projections and drive economic growth.
The White House highlights the economic impact of the TCJA and President Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” citing historic income gains, poverty reduction, and incentives for domestic manufacturing, while warning of potential tax hikes if the bill fails to pass.
A pro-energy group is calling for an investigation into Biden administration executive actions on climate policy, alleging they were signed by an autopen without Biden’s direct approval, raising concerns over transparency and decision-making authority.
General Motors announced an $888 million investment in its Tonawanda Propulsion plant for next-generation V-8 engines, a move Republicans credit to Trump-era trade policies, as GM prioritizes traditional powertrains amid shifting market dynamics.
