Pickleball, private island among $1T in government waste. expenses, finds the senator’s report

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Late. Rand Paul, R-Ky., on Monday released his annual “Festivus Report,” a document detailing wasteful government spending released each year before Christmas.

This year’s installment found a combined $1,008,313,329,626.12 in wasteful federal spending. Such expenditures included a $12 million Las Vegas pickleball complex and $4 million for Ukrainian influencers.

“It’s that time of year again,” the senator wrote via X, citing the popular sitcom Seinfeld. “Happy Festivus! I have a lot of trouble with you guys! And now you’re going to hear about it.”

Late. Paul began the report by saying that the blame for these expenses lies with both political parties, which have acted as poor stewards of American tax dollars.

“Who is to blame for our crushing national debt?” Senator Paul asked. “Everyone. This year, members of both political parties in Congress voted for massive spending bills, filled with subsidies for underperforming industries, continued military aid to Ukraine, and controversial climate initiatives.”

Also highlighted in the report was $892 billion spent on “Uncle Sam’s credit cards” and over $7 million for “various magical projects.” The senator also condemned a Florida man who stole over $8 million in pandemic funds to buy a private island.

“When Congress spends to reward its favorite pet projects, the American taxpayer is forced to pay through high prices and crippling interest,” added Senator Paul. “As always, taking the road to fiscal responsibility is often a lonely journey, but I’ve been fighting public waste just like DOGE before DOGE was cool.”

The Department of Energy, according to the report, also spent $15.5 billion to push Americans toward electric vehicles.

“It’s as if they think throwing taxpayer dollars at the problem will magically make us forget that Americans still prefer their trusty gas-powered vehicles,” the senator wrote.

The findings follow last year’s report by Senator Paul, which found $900 billion in wasted taxpayer funds. Among those expenses was a study of Russian cats walking on a treadmill and help for “struggling musicians” like Post Malone and Lil Wayne.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has pledged to cut government bloat under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. However, California Gov. Gavin Newsom derided the president’s advisory committee last week as a “promo project.”

“We’ve been working before DOGE was DOGE, I don’t know, it’s like a promo project,” Governor Newsom said. “California has been a leader in that area.”

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