Department of Labor Recovers $1.4 Billion in Unused COVID Funds, Targets $2.9 Billion More

The Trump administration intensifies efforts to reduce waste as Anthony D'Esposito assumes oversight role as Inspector General.

The Department of Labor has returned $1.4 billion in unused COVID-era unemployment funds to the U.S. Treasury's General Fund.
Efforts are underway to recover an additional $2.9 billion in unused pandemic-related funds originally allocated under the 2020 CARES Act.
A 2023 audit revealed that four states improperly accessed $105.1 million in unemployment funds due to insufficient oversight controls.
The department has canceled $577 million in wasteful grants, saving taxpayers $237 million, as part of its fiscal responsibility initiatives.
President Trump appointed Anthony D'Esposito as the new Inspector General to bolster oversight and accountability in alignment with federal efficiency goals.