The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has released preliminary findings from its review of federal unemployment insurance claims submitted since 2020. DOGE’s report revealed that tens of thousands of individuals—some far too old, others far too young, and even some not yet born—managed to receive unemployment benefits during and after the COVID-era surge in claims.
For instance, the report highlighted that over 24,500 individuals, listed as being more than 115 years old, collectively received $59 million. Approximately 28,000 individuals between the ages of one and five received an astonishing $254 million in unemployment benefits. Even more surprising, over 9,700 claims were filed by individuals with birthdates more than 15 years in the future, amounting to $69 million in total payments.
One particularly baffling case involved a claim from a person allegedly born in 2154, who received $41,000. These findings were posted Tuesday night on DOGE’s official account on X, sparking widespread reactions. Elon Musk, who was appointed by the White House to lead DOGE earlier this year, commented on the report directly: “Your tax dollars were going to pay fraudulent unemployment claims for fake people born in the future! This is so crazy that I had to read it several times before it sank in.”
Established by executive order on January 20, DOGE was created to expose government inefficiencies, eliminate waste, and modernize operations. Under Elon Musk’s leadership, the agency has implemented sweeping changes, including the elimination of over 279,000 federal jobs in the first quarter alone—the largest reduction in the federal workforce since 2011. The report has already provoked strong reactions from lawmakers, watchdog groups, and the public. In response, the White House defended its decision to bring in Musk, arguing that these findings prove that efforts to enhance government accountability were long overdue.
Just days after liberal activists shredded Democrats for failing to fight back, two House Democrats unveiled a bill to assert oversight over DOGE, which essentially means they want to control the information that gets out — as in, do damage control by preventing Americans from learning about just how badly they’ve been getting ripped off and for how long. Reps. Brad Schneider (D-IL) and Stephen Lynch (D-MA) are introducing the “DOGE Accountability and Transparency Act,” which would require weekly reports from DOGE detailing every agency change, firing, budget cut, relocation, and internal data use.
“We should not allow Elon Musk to recklessly take a chainsaw to our federal government; he must answer to Congress and provide real, regular updates on DOGE’s actions,” Schneider said. Lynch added: “We cannot let President Trump’s version of ‘Wreck-it-Ralph’ distract us while Elon Musk continues to gut agencies that are responsible for providing American families with essential needs and services.” Translated: ‘We cannot let Musk continue showing you how bad the fraud really is!’
