The Wall Street Journal: DOGE investigation finds the U.S. government made $149 billion in improper payments last year

ChainCatcher news, according to the WSJ report, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has found in its investigation that the U.S. government generated $149 billion in improper payments just last year. This is enough to fund NASA for seven years or build 15 aircraft carriers.

Medicare and Medicaid lead with over $60 billion in improper payments, followed by tax credits (over $20 billion) and food assistance (over $10 billion). Of the $33.5 billion identified as potentially recoverable in 2024, agencies managed to recover only $22.6 billion.