Agencies doled out $186B in improper payments last year, GAO says

"The federal government made at least $186 billion in improper payments in fiscal 2025, according to a report released Monday by Congress' watchdog. The Government Accountability Office's new estimate comes as the Trump administration continues to doggedly pursue its 'war on fraud' to hunt out fraudulent government spending."

"Most of the improper payments are concentrated in five programs, GAO found, including Medicare, Medicaid, the earned income tax credit and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP."

"The Trump administration has been zeroing in on fraud in Medicare and Medicaid already, as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz announced last week that the Trump administration will require all states to revalidate Medicaid providers."

"The White House is also working across federal agencies to comb through government programs as part of Trump's anti-fraud task force being led by Vice President JD Vance."

In fiscal 2025, the federal government made at least $186 billion in improper payments, according to the Government Accountability Office. This figure represents an increase of approximately $24 billion from the previous year, largely due to changes in reporting. The majority of these improper payments are overpayments, while at least $10 billion reflects funds that should have been distributed. Five programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, account for most of these payments. The Trump administration is actively pursuing measures to combat fraud in these areas.

Read at Nextgov.com