The US Department of Governmental Ethics (DOGE) has initiated an investigation into federal employees whose substantial personal wealth appears inconsistent with their official salaries. This move aims to uncover potential corruption, insider trading, and financial misconduct within government ranks; business as usual in other words!
The investigation has gained significant public attention, with figures like President Trump and Elon Musk highlighting the issue. For instance, Musk announced from the Oval Office that DOGE is probing federal employees whose net worths are disproportionately high compared to their earnings. This announcement has led to increased scrutiny of individuals such as Dr. Anthony Fauci's associates and other prominent government figures.
Public discourse has also focused on politicians like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). Critics point out that AOC, who reportedly had approximately $8,000 in debt in 2019, now has an estimated net worth of nearly $30 million, despite a congressional salary of $174,000 per year. Similarly, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has faced allegations of insider trading, with reports suggesting significant financial gains from timely stock transactions. How much is old Nancy worth? One estimation is $ 271.41 million: https://www.quiverquant.com/congresstrading/politician/Nancy%20Pelosi-P000197/net-worth.
The DOGE investigation seeks to address these concerns by examining the financial activities of federal employees to find out just who the crooks are. This could lead to wonderful things, such as the prosecution of people like Pelosi for insider trading, and socialist millionaire AOC if she cannot justify her wealth.
Australia needs its ATO to do the same for its political crooks who cannot justify their lifestyles on their parliamentary salaries.