A Look At How the U.S. Government Spent $900 Billion of Your Tax Dollars in 2023

In 2023, the taxpayers of the US saw nearly $900 billion of their hard-earned money directed toward a mix of government programs. But some spending is necessary to keep the country running, a surprising amount went to projects that might make you scratch your head. Here is a look at some of the most baffling ways taxpayer money was spent this year.

1. COVID Relief Funds for a Barbie Doll Scheme

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was designed to help small companies and businesses. It was to survive the pandemic, but somehow, a company using a Barbie doll photo in their application slipped through. With a size of $800 billion in funds meant for pandemic relief, it’s clear the system could use some stricter checks.

2. Paying the Price of Our National Debt

Over $659 billion of taxpayer money went just to pay the interest on the national debt. Think of this as paying only the “minimum amount due” on a giant credit card bill. It’s a useful reminder of the financial burden our debt places on us all.

3. NIH’s “Monkey Island” Project

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) spent $33.2 million on “Monkey Island,” a project involving—you guessed it—monkeys. While there’s value in research, this hefty price tag might make taxpayers wonder if the study is imp.

4. Boosting Tourism… in Egypt?

Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), $6 million went to support Egyptian tourism. Many Americans might be asking why their tax dollars are being used to promote travel in another country when there are so many needs at home.

5. USDA’s Dog-Walking Study

In another likely move, the USDA spent money researching the effects of walking dogs in the summer. The approx cost is unknown, but it’s quite different to believe that studying summer dog-walking practices is a top priority for taxpayer-funded research.

6. DHS’s “Be Your Authentic Self” Training

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) held training sessions to help employees “be their authentic and best selves.” The cost of this training wasn’t disclosed, but many have question about it.

7. Russian Cats on Treadmills

The NIH also spent part of $2.7 million on a study involving Russian cats on the treadmills. But the scientific studies can offer valuable insights, this one feels like a bit of a stretch for the same.

8. Government Payouts to the Deceased

In 2023, $38 million in government funds were mistakenly paid to deceased individuals. This isn’t the first time this has happened, which reveals there’s room for improvement in the same.

9. The Department of Defense’s Lobster Tank

Department of Defense spent $8,395 on a lobster tank. This is because this might be a small drop in the ocean of federal spending, it still raises eyebrows.

10. Wrecking Expensive Military Equipment

The government spent $89 million on engines, $12.6 million on transmissions, and $68 million on tank treads, all for military equipment that ended up damaged.

11. Graphic Novels on Disinformation

DHS spent an undisclosed amount creating graphic novels to educate about disinformation, including COVID-19 misinformation.

12. NIH’s “Meth-Head” Monkeys

In an effort to understand addiction, the NIH spent part of $12 million on methamphetamine addiction studies involving monkeys.

13. Treasury Funds for Political Campaigns

The Treasury Department spent $400 million in support of the campaigns. Whether these funds had yo be used in this way is a matter of question, as some might argue that campaign funding shouldn’t come from taxpayer dollars.

14. NIH’s Monkey Casino

In another concerning and important NIH experiment, $3.7 million went toward setting up a “monkey casino,” where monkeys gambled for having water.

15. SBA’s Backstage Passes

The Small Business Administration (SBA) spent $200 million on backstage passes to various events for networking purposes.

16. COVID-19 Misinformation Study in Black and Rural Communities

$3.8 million went toward studying COVID-19 misinformation in Black and rural communities.

17. Dr. Fauci’s Transgender Monkey Study

A $477,121 study was conducted on transgender behavior in monkeys. Research is important, but this particular focus might seem like a questionable tag.

18. Improper Federal Payments

Improper payments cost taxpayers a staggering $236 billion this year. This concern points to deep inefficiencies in managing government funds.

19. Gambling Monkeys: A Flashback

In study to previous studies, $171,000 was spent on an experiment involving gambling monkeys. This real theme in NIH-funded animal research confirms that the need to reevaluate the types of studies being prioritized.

Is It Time for a Department of Government Efficiency?

With nearly $900 billion going toward questionable projects, it’s time to consider a solution. Imagine a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency dedicated to reviewing all government spending, ensuring funds go where they’re most needed, and eliminating the unwanted projects.

The taxpayers of America, who deserve transparency and accountability are to be considered. The country need leaders who will spend our money wisely, supporting projects that genuinely benefit the country. By this the government to a higher standard, we can work toward a future where taxpayer dollars are used for the change.