Senator Joni Ernst has once again called attention to the rampant waste and misuse of taxpayer dollars in Washington, laying out a detailed plan to cut more than $2 trillion in government spending. While the list includes over 20 examples, here are five of the most egregious abuses of government funds that every taxpayer should know about:
1. $1.5 Billion for Government Swag
Federal agencies spend a staggering $1.5 billion annually on public relations items like snuggies, mascots, key chains, and coloring books. While these may seem like harmless promotional tools, Ernst argues they serve little purpose beyond inflating agency budgets and wasting taxpayer money.
2. Paying the UN to Undermine National Security
The United States is the largest contributor to the United Nations, paying more in dues than any other country. On top of this, the U.S. voluntarily sends an additional $15 billion annually. Shockingly, some UN employees have been linked to terrorist activities and efforts to encourage illegal immigration to the U.S. Ernst asks the critical question: Why are American taxpayers funding initiatives that undermine our national security?
3. Defenseless Spending in the Pentagon
The Pentagon wastes $125 billion annually on bloated bureaucracy and inefficiencies. To make matters worse, it has never passed an audit. Ernst emphasizes the need for fiscal discipline in the Department of Defense, suggesting that wasteful spending weakens national security and diverts resources from critical defense needs.
According to Taxpayers for Common Sense, "No major part of the Department of Defense (DOD) has ever passed an audit, according to recent congressional testimony by the non-partisan U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO), the investigative arm of Congress."
4. Federal Employees Paid to Do Nothing
Some federal employees have openly admitted to spending their workdays napping, playing dominoes, or chess because they have no assigned work. By simply enforcing a law already passed by Congress, Ernst estimates the government could save $31 million annually.
5. Subsidizing Nonsensical Agriculture Projects
The USDA has funneled millions into bizarre projects such as teaching pigs to play video games, determining how fast a shrimp can run on a treadmill, (66 feet per minute), and subsidizing cricket farms. While agriculture programs are meant to support farmers and food security, these pet projects do little to advance those goals, wasting taxpayer dollars on trivial pursuits.
Why It Matters
These examples represent just a fraction of the unchecked spending plaguing Washington. At a time when the national debt has reached $36 trillion, Ernst argues that every dollar wasted is a betrayal of hardworking taxpayers. Eliminating these programs, she says, is not just about saving money—it’s about restoring trust in government and prioritizing programs that truly benefit Americans.
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