List of “Wasteful” Government Spending Programs

Quick List of Absurd Government Spending Programs

New Administration Targets Wasteful Spending, Saves Billions by Cutting Troubled Programs

In a sweeping effort to streamline government expenditures, the new administration has unveiled plans to eliminate billions of dollars in what critics call “wasteful spending.” Some of the most notorious examples have already been flagged for termination, raising questions about the efficacy and oversight of past initiatives.

Broadband to Nowhere

One of the most criticized programs is the so-called “broadband to nowhere.” Over $10 billion was allocated to expand internet access to rural and underserved areas, yet audits reveal that many communities remain unconnected. In some cases, infrastructure was installed in areas with no residents, while other regions received incomplete networks. The administration has vowed to redirect these funds to more targeted, accountable programs.

Missing EV Chargers

Another lightning rod of criticism is the $10 billion earmarked for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Promoted as a cornerstone of green infrastructure, the program has faced accusations of mismanagement. An investigative report found that only a fraction of the promised chargers have been installed, while large sums remain unaccounted for. The administration is halting future spending on the program until an audit determines where the money has gone.

NFL-Focused Spending

Perhaps one of the strangest examples of government spending is funding directed toward the National Football League (NFL). Millions have been spent on initiatives ranging from referee training programs to uniform design research and even studies on the “psychological impact” of Gatorade color choices on players. Critics argue that taxpayers should not be footing the bill for what amounts to a marketing boost for a multibillion-dollar private industry.

Other Eye-Rolling Expenses

• Camel Waste Management in the Middle East: A $3 million program aimed at reducing camel flatulence to combat climate change has drawn widespread ridicule.
• Luxury Office Furniture for Agencies: An estimated $1 billion has gone toward high-end furniture purchases for federal offices, including designer chairs costing over $10,000 each.
• Zombie Programs: Over $5 billion annually funds outdated programs and committees that no longer serve any clear purpose but remain funded due to bureaucratic inertia.
• 6 Million to Egypt Tourism
• $8.5k Lobster tank for the DoD
• 40+ million to deceased people
• Covid-19 SBA funds
• Special program for music artists- $200 million + to popular musicians during Covid lockdown.
• 1 million on studying monkeys social habits
• $85 million to a contractor build a hotel and apartment in Kabul
• 1 billion for San Francisco’s trolley system
• 55 billion maintianing outdated technology and systems. OIEC calculates a total U.S. government budget of $80 billion.
• Almost 2 billion on vehicles the U.S. government probably does not need.
• National debt from ridiculous but seemingly calculated spending…

A New Era of Accountability?

The administration’s efforts to cut these programs signal a broader focus on fiscal responsibility. “We owe it to taxpayers to ensure every dollar spent delivers measurable value,” a senior official said. Critics of the cuts warn that some programs, while flawed, address real issues and need reform rather than elimination.

As these efforts progress, the public may see more examples of spending cuts—and revelations of how taxpayer money has been mishandled in the past.

Sources:

U.S. Government Accountability Office-https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/media/reps/dr-paul-releases-2023-festivus-report-on-government-waste/

https://americansforprosperity.org/blog/5-outrageous-ways-the-federal-government-has-wasted-your-money-part-iv/

https://www.heritage.org/budget-and-spending/report/50-examples-government-waste