Democrats Criticize Elon Musk’s Government Efficiency Efforts Amid Claims of Constitutional Crisis

Democrats have sharply criticized Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives, labeling them a "constitutional crisis." However, government spending experts argue that many federal departments, particularly entitlement programs, have significant inefficiencies that can and should be addressed. James Agresti, president of the nonprofit research institute Just Facts, recently shared insights with Fox News Digital, highlighting opportunities to reduce wasteful spending in entitlement programs. Agresti pointed to improper payments within the Social Security Administration (SSA) as a prime example, noting that the SSA made improper payments totaling $2 billion in 2022. To put this figure into perspective, this amount could have covered the retirement benefits of approximately 89,947 workers in 2023. Agresti emphasized that such inefficiencies are not isolated to the SSA but are prevalent across almost all entitlement programs.

Widespread Inefficiencies in Social Security and Beyond

Agresti detailed several instances of misuse and abuse within the SSA. For example, a 2010 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealed that roughly 7,000 federal employees received disability benefits in 2008 while still earning wages from their government jobs. The GAO estimated that about 1,500 of these individuals may have improperly received benefits, as their income exceeded the allowable thresholds for such payments. Additionally, the Obama administration sent over 71,000 stimulus checks to deceased individuals, including 63,481 whose deaths had been previously reported to the SSA. These examples underscore the systemic issues plaguing entitlement programs.

Fraud and Abuse in Social Security and Tax Credits

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have also raised concerns about illegal immigrants obtaining Social Security numbers and contributing to fraud within the SSA. Agresti corroborated these concerns, citing a 2010 study by the SSA’s chief actuary, which found that 800,000 noncitizens had Social Security numbers and were working under them, potentially receiving benefits. Many of these individuals obtained their Social Security numbers by submitting false birth certificates. Agresti noted that similar issues exist at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), particularly with the distribution of child tax credits to illegal immigrants. He cited a past investigation where the same birth certificate was used multiple times to claim these credits, with little to no accountability or verification by the IRS.

IRS as a "Welfare Program" and the Scope of Improper Payments

Agresti described the IRS as having essentially become a "welfare program" due to the introduction of refundable tax credits, such as the earned income tax credit and child tax credit. These programs, while well-intentioned, have led to massively high rates of improper payments. He emphasized that the problem is not limited to the SSA but is even more severe in programs like Medicare and Medicaid, where improper payment rates can reach as high as 15% to 20%. For instance, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) has seen improper payment rates of up to 20%. Agresti stressed that these figures are unacceptable and likened the situation to theft from taxpayers, arguing that such inefficiencies would not be tolerated in personal or private-sector finances.

Democratic Opposition to DOGE Efforts and Calls for Accountability

Despite the clear evidence of waste and fraud, Democrats have fiercely opposed the DOGE initiative, accusing Trump and Musk of attempting to strip away legitimate benefits owed to taxpayers. Agresti dismissed this criticism, stating that nothing could be further from the truth. He explained that the DOGE’s efforts are focused on ensuring that Social Security checks and other benefits reach their intended recipients without being lost to fraud or mismanagement. Agresti expressed frustration with the Democratic Party’s resistance to these reforms, calling their mischaracterization of the efforts "ridiculous." He argued that the federal government’s lack of accountability for its employees and programs is a long-standing issue that must be addressed.

The Need for Reform and Accountability in Government Spending

Agresti concluded by emphasizing the urgent need for reform within the federal government, particularly in entitlement programs. He acknowledged that the government is a vast and complex entity, but this complexity should not excuse the widespread inefficiencies and lack of accountability that persist. By addressing improper payments, fraud, and abuse, the DOGE initiative aims to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and that benefits are delivered to those who truly need them. While the political backlash from Democrats continues, Agresti remains hopeful that a more transparent and efficient government is achievable. The conversation highlights the critical importance of holding federal agencies accountable for how they manage taxpayer funds.