Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative continues to uncover instances of wasteful spending within the federal government, sparking headlines and drawing criticism from Democrats. From a Pennsylvania limestone mine used for manual retirement processing to questionable EPA expenditures, DOGE's audits are prompting action and raising questions about bureaucratic processes.
Iron Mountain Mine Revelation
DOGE brought to light the antiquated system used for processing federal employee retirements: a limestone mine in Pennsylvania where over 700 workers manually handle paperwork. Musk criticized the slow, inefficient process, noting its reliance on paper files and a mine shaft elevator that dictates the pace of retirements. This revelation has been met with astonishment and calls for modernization.
This photo shows the old limestone mine where federal retirement applications are processed. (DOGE / X)
EPA Identifies $20 Billion in Waste
Inspired by DOGE, the EPA uncovered $20 billion in wasteful spending within its own agency. Administrator Lee Zeldin pointed to a video of a Biden appointee describing the wasteful practices. Zeldin pledged to recover the misspent funds, criticizing the lack of oversight and the rushed distribution of taxpayer dollars.
EPA administrator Lee Zeldin exposed wasteful spending. (Al Drago)
DHS Reclaims FEMA Funds
DOGE exposed FEMA's allocation of over $59 million for housing illegal immigrants in New York City hotels. Musk criticized this spending as unlawful and contrary to presidential orders. Following the revelation, DHS confirmed the retrieval of the full payment, and President Trump suggested abolishing FEMA altogether.
Asylum seekers at the Roosevelt Hotel, converted into a city-run shelter. (Selcuk Acar/Anadolu Agency)
Pentagon's Budget Scrutiny
DOGE has set its sights on the Pentagon's substantial budget, with reports of wasteful spending on items like coffee cups and soap dispensers. Past audits have revealed opportunities for significant savings through contract renegotiations and process streamlining.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth welcomes DOGE's involvement. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Questionable Spending at USAID
Senator Joni Ernst, chair of the Senate DOGE Caucus, highlighted questionable spending within USAID, including a $20 million allocation for a "Sesame Street" program in Iraq. Other examples of potentially wasteful projects have also come under scrutiny.
USAID funded a "Sesame Street" program in Iraq. (Getty Images)
