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f you are an American living in the US and your home was destroyed by a hurricane, FEMA will give you a check for $750 in what they call, “Serious Needs Assistance.” It’s an up-front, direct payment to survivors, intended to get them money to buy whatever they might need after their home has been destroyed.
But if you are living in Pakistan and want your school to have a “gender studies” program, well, then the US will wire you $10 MILLION DOLLARS.
Go back and read that again.
Folks, I am Jeffrey D. Cohen, a criminal defense attorney in Queens, New York, I have seen firsthand how the legal system operates when it comes to justice and accountability. But when it comes to the government spending your hard-earned tax dollars, the rules seem different. Billions of dollars disappear every year into pointless programs, redundant agencies, and reckless foreign aid—and most taxpayers have no idea.
Many Americans work 50+ hours a week, struggling to afford housing, healthcare, and rising costs—yet our tax dollars are funneled into programs that provide little benefit to the people funding them. The worst part? Most people don’t even know it’s happening.
From a taxpayer-funded “Board of Tea Experts” that lasted until 2023 to multi-million-dollar handouts to foreign monarchs, it’s time to take a hard look at what Washington is doing with your money.
The Board of Tea Experts: A Government Agency That Refused to Die
Would you believe that until 2023, your tax dollars were funding a federal tea-tasting board?
The Board of Tea Experts was created in 1897 under the Tea Importation Act to ensure the quality of imported tea in the U.S. While this may have served a purpose in the 19th century, modern food safety regulations rendered it obsolete.
Yet, despite having no legitimate function, the board continued to operate for over 125 years—until it was finally shut down on September 19, 2023 (Source: Federal Register).
This is not an isolated case. The federal government is full of outdated agencies that refuse to die because of bureaucratic inertia, draining taxpayer funds year after year.
Foreign Aid: How the U.S. Pays for Other Countries’ Problems
You might be struggling to pay off debt, buy a home, or cover medical bills, but the U.S. government has no problem giving away billions to foreign nations—often with little oversight.
A shocking example? The U.S. has reportedly been paying the King of Jordan over $1 million per year—for no clear reason.
This is part of a larger foreign aid package where billions are sent to Jordan, yet no one knows where the money actually goes (Source: Washington Post).
And that’s just one country. Each year, the U.S. spends tens of billions of taxpayer dollars on foreign aid that provides little or no benefit to American citizens.
Examples of reckless foreign spending:
- $500 million for border security in the Middle East—but nothing for securing the U.S. border.
- $10 million for “gender studies” in Pakistan.
- Millions sent to Afghanistan—even after the Taliban takeover.
If you’re wondering why hardworking Americans struggle while politicians hand out your money to foreign governments, you’re not alone.
USAID: A Case Study in Government Waste
One of the most bloated and reckless government agencies is USAID (United States Agency for International Development). While marketed as humanitarian aid, much of its budget ends up in corrupt governments, pointless projects, and fraudulent contracts.
Here’s how USAID wastes your money:
- $6 million to promote tourism in Egypt.
- $3 million for “girl-centered climate action” in Brazil.
- $2.5 million for “green energy projects” in Ukraine—with no oversight.
- $750,000 to create gender-neutral language programs in Central America.
Even worse, some USAID funds have reportedly ended up in the hands of terrorist organizations—an inexcusable failure of oversight (Source: Heritage Foundation).
With $29 billion in funding, USAID is one of the most bloated agencies in government, hemorrhaging taxpayer dollars.
Welfare Abuse: Hardworking Americans Pay While Others Collect
While foreign monarchs and useless agencies get billions, Americans are also forced to pay for massive welfare programs—many of which are riddled with fraud and abuse.
Welfare fraud and abuse examples:
- An estimated $140 billion in welfare fraud occurs each year.
- Some recipients collect benefits in multiple states.
- Food stamps and housing vouchers are frequently sold illegally for cash.
- Able-bodied adults collect benefits with no requirement to work.
Meanwhile, middle-class Americans struggle under high taxes, inflation, and job insecurity—all while their tax dollars fund programs that incentivize dependency.
A welfare system should be a safety net—not a lifestyle. But instead of helping people get back on their feet, many programs reward unemployment and discourage self-sufficiency (Source: Congressional Budget Office).
How Can Americans Fight Back?
If you’re sick of your tax dollars being wasted, here’s what you can do:
1. Stay Informed
Most Americans have no idea where their tax dollars actually go. Reading reports on government waste and fraud is essential.
2. Demand Accountability from Politicians
Contact your representatives and push for laws that require stricter oversight on government spending.
3. Fight Back Against Welfare Fraud
If you see something, say something.
Final Thoughts: Stop Funding the Waste
For too long, the U.S. government has wasted billions on pointless agencies, reckless foreign aid, and out-of-control welfare programs—while everyday Americans struggle.
It’s time to demand accountability, transparency, and responsible spending.
The government should work for the people—not the other way around.
- I encourage you to read an article by a reporter at Reason here.
