The Biden administration improperly allocated $236 billion in government funds in 2023, raising concerns about financial waste, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office.

The improper Biden administration payments were spread across 71 federal programs, with the majority classified as overpayments, fueling calls for audits and reforms to address fraud and inefficiencies, as Breitbart reports.

GAO Report Highlights Billions in Improper Payments

The GAO report, released in 2024, revealed that the federal government had issued improper payments amounting to $236 billion during the previous fiscal year. These payments were linked to a wide range of government programs, spanning multiple agencies and departments.

According to the report, three-quarters of these payments were considered overpayments, meaning recipients received more money than they were entitled to. This finding has intensified concerns over the government's financial management practices and spending controls.

The revelation comes at a time when the federal deficit has ballooned to $1.8 trillion under the Biden administration, prompting criticism from both sides of the political aisle.

Musk, Trump Call for Government Spending Reforms

President Donald Trump has voiced strong opposition to what he describes as reckless government spending, pledging to eliminate financial waste if elected again. His stance aligns with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has been advocating for increased scrutiny of government expenditures.

Musk has focused his efforts on the Treasury Department, which oversees the federal payment system responsible for disbursing trillions of dollars in public funds. He believes that an in-depth review of improper payments could reveal opportunities to balance the budget.

“Mr. Musk has told administration officials that he thinks they could balance the budget if they eliminate the fraudulent payments leaving the system, according to an official who discussed the matter with him,” a source familiar with the discussions said.

Musk’s Allies Gain Access to Federal Payment System

In a move that underscores Musk’s increasing influence in government oversight, reports suggested that some of his allies have been granted access to the Treasury Department’s payment system. This access was secured by making them Treasury employees, requiring them to pass government background checks and obtain security clearances.

Despite their access, these representatives have not yet gained operational control over the payment system, nor have they blocked any government transactions. Their role, for now, remains limited to observation and analysis.

“While their access was approved, the Musk representatives have yet to gain operational capabilities and no government payments have been blocked, the people said,” according to sources familiar with the situation.

Government Review Process Limits Immediate Action

Although Musk’s allies are now positioned to scrutinize federal transactions, any proposed changes to the payment system must go through an extensive review process. Treasury Department attorneys have signed off on their access, but implementation of reforms is still in its early stages.

“Mr. Musk’s initiative is intended to be part of a broader review of the payments system to allow improper payments to be scrutinized and is not an effort to arbitrarily block individual payments, the people familiar with the matter said,” according to reports.

This structured approach ensures that any modifications undergo thorough testing before implementation, preventing abrupt disruptions to federal disbursements.

Department of Government Efficiency Leads Federal Audits

Musk’s push for financial reform has also extended to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity tasked with evaluating and reducing wasteful spending within the federal system.

DOGE has taken control of the Office of Personnel Management, reviewed real estate leases under the General Services Administration, and slashed its budget by 50%. The agency is playing a crucial role in Musk’s wider effort to curb government inefficiencies.

In addition, DOGE has proposed shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a move supported by some Republicans who argue that the agency operates as a covert intelligence arm.

Future of Government Audits and Spending Reforms

As Musk and Trump continue to push for increased scrutiny of federal spending, the government’s response to these initiatives remains a key question. While some officials acknowledge the need for greater oversight, others warn of potential disruptions if reforms are implemented too aggressively.

With improper payments now under heightened scrutiny, ongoing investigations and audits could play a significant role in shaping the future of government financial management.

For now, the Treasury Department and its oversight agencies are expected to continue their evaluations, determining the best course of action to prevent further financial mismanagement.