WASHINGTON, D.C. — Elon Musk criticized the US government’s payment systems, citing cases of fraud and mismanagement that he described as “mind-blowing.” Speaking about financial oversight, Musk pointed to examples of bureaucrats accumulating significant wealth while in government positions, inadequate payment controls, and improper payments to fraudulent entities.
“We do find it rather odd that there are quite a few people in the bureaucracy who have ostensibly a salary of a few hundred thousand but somehow manage to accrue tens of millions of dollars in net worth while they are in that position,” Musk said. He specifically mentioned the US Agency for International Development (USAID), questioning how some officials became wealthy while working in government roles.
Both President Donald Trump and Musk suggest many government officials appear to be getting kickbacks.
Musk also criticized the Treasury Department’s payment system, alleging a lack of basic controls such as categorization codes and description fields for payments. “It’s like just a massive number of blank checks flying out the building, so you can’t reconcile blank checks,” he said.
He highlighted the inefficiency of the “Do Not Pay” list, a mechanism meant to prevent payments to fraudulent or ineligible recipients, including terrorist organizations and known fraudsters. “It can take up to a year for an organization to get on a do-not-pay list, and even once on the list, the list is not used,” Musk stated.
Musk also cited issues with Social Security payments, claiming that the system includes individuals who are allegedly 150 years old. “Do you know anyone who is 150? I don’t,” he said, suggesting that such cases indicate fraudulent or erroneous payments.
The comments come as the federal government faces increasing scrutiny over wasteful spending and financial oversight, with growing calls for reforms to ensure taxpayer funds are properly allocated.
Musk’s remarks add to the ongoing debate over financial accountability in the federal government, highlighting concerns over inefficiencies and potential corruption.
