Trump Calls Out ‘Flagrant Scams’ Uncovered by DOGE, Takes Aim at Fort Knox in CPAC Speech

In a rousing speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Saturday afternoon, President Donald Trump celebrated his whirlwind first four weeks back in the Oval Office by highlighting what he termed “flagrant scams” uncovered by DOGE and taking aim at perceived government overspending. Speaking at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C., Trump’s remarks struck a familiar chord with his base as he detailed a series of controversial federal expenditures.

A Bold New Department and a Fresh Approach
Trump opened by touting a key initiative:

“I signed an order creating the Department of Government Efficiency — you probably haven't heard of it — which is now waging war on government waste, fraud and abuse. And Elon is doing a great job.”
This newly established department, according to Trump, is spearheading efforts to root out excessive spending and mismanagement across federal agencies.

DOGE and the Investigation of Overspending
Central to the President’s claims is DOGE, an investigative team led by Elon Musk. DOGE has been scrutinizing various federal agencies in an effort to curb overspending and stamp out fraud. However, their work has not come without controversy. Democratic lawmakers and government employees have criticized the investigations, filing lawsuits aimed at halting the audits and investigations. Despite the pushback, Trump proudly listed several examples of what he called “scams” that have been exposed:

$520 Million for a consultant on environmental, social governance, and investments in Africa.
$25 Million allocated to promote biodiversity conservation and socially responsible behavior in Colombia—emphasizing, “This is Colombia, South America, not Columbia University. Of course, that might be worse.”
$40 Million for initiatives to improve the social and economic inclusion of sedentary migrants.
$42 Million earmarked for social and behavior change programs in Uganda.
$10 Million for Mozambique medical male circumcisions, prompting Trump to ask,
“Why are we going to Mozambique to do circumcisions?”

These figures, according to Trump, represent a fraction of the taxpayer dollars being wasted on projects that he deems unnecessary and extravagant.

Taking Aim at Fiscal Priorities
The headline of Trump’s address also noted his pointed criticism of Fort Knox—a symbol of national financial stability. By juxtaposing excessive and seemingly arbitrary government spending with iconic institutions like Fort Knox, Trump underscored his broader argument for a leaner, more accountable federal government. He implied that while the country boasts storied institutions safeguarding its heritage and wealth, billions of dollars are being squandered on questionable projects overseas.

Looking Ahead
Trump’s speech at CPAC not only celebrated his early administrative successes but also set the stage for a continued campaign against government waste. By spotlighting DOGE’s findings, he reinforced his promise to overhaul federal spending practices and to restore fiscal discipline. As legal challenges and political battles over these investigations continue, the administration’s commitment to efficiency and accountability remains a central theme of its agenda.

Whether these initiatives will lead to meaningful reform or become further points of contention in the national debate on government spending, Trump’s bold rhetoric has certainly stirred up a conversation about priorities and the future direction of American fiscal policy.

See Also: https://hocdethi.tranganhnam.xyz/2025/02/trump-unleashed-bold-moves-and-new.html