New Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

[Jonathan Whatley]

Here's something any true Department of Government Efficiency should root out: A millionaire official demanding $50,000 of your money for an "emergency" paint job on his government-furnished DC-area house.

Pete Hegseth [should] explain why he expects taxpayers to pay for a $50,000 ‘emergency’ paint job on his furnished government house.

[Hegseth] wants the public to cover this and other living expenses at a time when many servicemembers and their families reside in unacceptable housing conditions that include mold, lead paint, and other hazards.

“Why is $49,900 for emergency painting of this residence necessary and how does that use of funds comply with the Administration’s stated goal of government efficiency?” the [Democratic House Appropriations Committee] Members wrote in their letter.

The Trump Administration touts government efficiency goals to justify draconian funding freezes and cuts to federal programs, services, and jobs. Secretary Hegseth has echoed those objectives, and is expected to earn $246,000 a year from his new public post, and over the last two years, he reportedly earned $6 million as a FOX News host and from other TV personality earnings. Yet, Hegseth has requested to live in a 4,000-square-foot government-furnished house, and requested over $137,000 in taxpayer-funded upgrades and other associated costs. Of that total amount, he’s asked taxpayers to pay a staggering sum of $50,000 for an “emergency” paint job.

Democrats Demand Secretary Hegseth Justify Asking Taxpayers to Cover $50,000 ‘Emergency’ Paint Job at Government Furnished Home: Millionaire’s wasteful expenses come as servicemembers face substandard housing (House Appropriations Democrats press release, February 7, 2025)