The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has uncovered a staggering $382 million in fraudulent unemployment payments since 2020, with California, New York, and Massachusetts emerging as the primary offenders.
These Democrat-led states were responsible for $305 million of the improper claims, as revealed by DOGE on Thursday.
According to Fox News, California was notably responsible for 68% of the benefits distributed under President Joe Biden to parolees identified by federal authorities as being on the government's terrorist watchlist or possessing criminal records. These states are characterized by a Democratic trifecta, where Democrats hold sway over the state House, Senate, and governor's office, as well as a Democratic triplex, which includes control of the Attorney General, Secretary of State, and governorship.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields commented to Fox News Digital, "Theres 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."
Earlier in the week, DOGE reported that since 2020, fraudulent unemployment benefits had been issued to tens of thousands of recipients with implausible ages, such as over 115 years old, between ages 1 and 5, or even with birthdates that have yet to occur. Labor Department Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer praised the discovery, stating, "This is another incredible discovery by the DOGE team, finding nearly $400 million in fraudulent unemployment payments. The Labor Department is committed to recovering Americans stolen tax dollars. We will catch these thieves and keep working to root out egregious fraud."
In addition, DOGE revealed that under the Biden administration, it became "routine" to admit immigrants into the country with minimal screening, resulting in over 6,000 individuals with criminal records or flagged on the FBI's terror watchlist entering the United States. Many of these individuals managed to collect public benefits, including approximately $42,000 through the government's unemployment insurance program, alongside funds from federal student loan programs, food stamp programs, and IRS tax refunds.
The Trump administration had previously ended parole for individuals identified as having a criminal record or being on the FBI's terror watchlist. Fox News Digital sought comment from the White House but did not receive a response in time for publication.
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