Sen. Rand Paul's 'Festivus Report' Exposes Nearly $900 Billion in Government Waste

Report Highlights Misuse of COVID Relief Funds and Controversial Research Projects

Sen. Rand Paul's annual 'Festivus Report' highlights nearly $900 billion of government waste, including misuse of COVID relief funds and questionable research projects.
Fraudsters reportedly used images of Barbie dolls as ID to scam millions from the Paycheck Protection Program, exploiting weaknesses in the AI verification system.
The government allegedly sent $38 million in COVID stimulus payments to deceased individuals, including $10 million to people who were already deceased when someone applied for funding on their behalf.
High-profile musicians like Post Malone, Chris Brown, and Lil Wayne received millions in relief funds intended for small businesses, exploiting the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program.
Questionable research projects include a $33.2 million contract to care for monkeys before they are sent to research labs, and a $477,121 project to study the effects of feminizing male monkeys.