Democratic States Account for Majority of Unemployment Fraud, DOGE Report Reveals

Major Findings on Unemployment Fraud by Democratic States

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) uncovered a staggering $382 million in fraudulent unemployment payments since 2020. California, New York, and Massachusetts emerged as the leading offenders.

According to DOGE, these three Democratic-led states were responsible for a significant $305 million in improper claim payments, highlighting a trend of mismanagement in the handling of unemployment benefits.

California’s Concerning Statistics

California’s role is particularly alarming. The state alone accounted for 68% of the unemployment benefits distributed under former President Joe Biden’s policies to individuals on the government’s terrorist watchlist or those with criminal records. This raises critical questions about the state’s screening processes.

Political Control and Unemployment Fraud

All three implicated states maintain a Democratic trifecta, meaning Democrats control the state House, Senate, and governor’s office. Additionally, they possess a Democratic triplex, with party control over the Attorney General’s office, Secretary of State, and the governorship.

White House Response to the Findings

In light of these revelations, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields commented, “There’s a reason for the mass exodus from Democrat-run states that have mismanaged their economies and driven residents to the nearest Republican-led state. High taxes, poor stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and progressive policies continue to yield negative results, which is why Americans overwhelmingly support the work of DOGE.”

Widespread Fraud Identified

Earlier this week, DOGE disclosed that fraud detection efforts led to hundreds of millions in unemployment benefits issued to individuals listed as being over 115 years old, as well as children aged between one and five. Alarmingly, some recipients even had birthdates that have not yet occurred.

Labor Department Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer emphasized the importance of these findings. She stated, “This is another incredible discovery by the DOGE team, finding nearly $400 million in fraudulent unemployment payments. The Labor Department is committed to recovering Americans’ stolen tax dollars. We will catch these thieves and continue our work to root out egregious fraud.”

The Impact of Immigration Policies

In a separate but related issue, DOGE identified significant deficiencies in the Biden administration’s immigration screening processes. The group reported that minimal vetting allowed over 6,000 individuals with criminal backgrounds or who are flagged on the FBI’s terror watchlist to enter the country.

Fraudulent Benefits Collected

Disturbingly, many of these individuals exploited public benefits, collecting approximately $42,000 through the unemployment insurance program among other forms of government assistance. This included funds from federal student loans, food stamp programs, and IRS tax refunds, raising concerns about the security of government welfare systems.

Previous Administration Actions

The Trump administration had imposed stricter controls, ending parole for all individuals identified as having criminal records or being on the FBI’s terror watchlist. This policy difference highlights the contrasting approaches to fraud prevention across administrations.

Future Implications

With these revelations, the emphasis on accountability and fraud prevention has never been more crucial. The implications of these findings raise questions about the effectiveness of current state management and policies surrounding unemployment benefits and immigration.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for further comment but did not receive a response in time for publication. As investigations continue, the public and policymakers alike will be watching closely to ensure the oversight of taxpayer dollars is reinforced.