Sen. Rand Paul's 2025 Festivus Report highlights $1.6 trillion in government waste

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, is out with his 2025 "Festivus Report," taking aim at $1.6 trillion in government waste.

It's the 11th year for the Kentucky Republican to "air grievances" against Washington wasteful spending.

"This year, I'm spotlighting a jaw-dropping amount of government waste — the kind that makes you wonder if anyone in Washington has ever heard the word 'priorities.' A grand total of $1,639,135,969,608, which includes $1.22 trillion in interest payments on the debt," Paul said in a statement.

He said highlights this year include "cash going toward experiments teaching ferrets to binge drink alcohol and dosing dogs with cocaine (again)."

This year's report also features:

"The Price is Wrong for Monkey Plinko: NSF and other federal agencies paid $14,643,280 to make monkeys play a "Price Is Right"-inspired video game."

"Tik Tok Therapy: Fighting Drugs with Influencers: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is spending $1.5 million on an "innovative multilevel strategy" to reduce drug use in 'Latinx' communities through celebrity influencer campaigns."

"Cartoon Climate Crusaders in Pakistan: The U.S. Department of State gave $244,252 to Stand for Peace in Islamabad to produce a television cartoon series that teaches kids in Pakistan how to fight climate change."

"Woke U: HHS gave $3.3 million to Northwestern University so they can hire 15 people, erect "scientific neighborhoods," install "safe space ambassadors," and form endless committees to "dismantle systemic racism."

"Bears, Drag Queens, and Bureaucracy: HHS spent $936,000 on marketing campaigns, advisory boards, and engagement strategies targeting niche subcultures in Los Angeles—specifically the "bear/cub," "drag queen," and "queer punk rock" scenes—about STD testing and treatment capacity."

"Saliva Swabs and Sandstorm: HHS spent $2.1 million for researchers to collect saliva samples and conduct surveys at EDM clubs and festivals in New York City about drug usage.

Paul said he works to alert the American people how the federal government uses their tax dollars.

See the entire 19 page report below:

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