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Insights on federal spending, budget analysis, and making government finances transparent.

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Federal Spending

$400 Million for a Ballroom

April 30, 20262 min read

Congress cut healthcare for 10 million Americans. Then three senators proposed spending $400 million on a White House ballroom. Here are 6 things that money could actually buy.

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Data Updates

April 2026 Data Update: FY2026 Budget, ICE Detention Costs, and Updated Comparisons

April 23, 20266 min read

We updated every number on this site. Here's what changed, what the sources are, and what the new data tells us about where your tax dollars are going.

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Policy

Provocation Pays. That's Social Media's Problem.

March 30, 20265 min read

Social media companies make money from views. Provocative content gets views. Lies are provocative. So lies get amplified. And nobody has an incentive to stop it.

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Policy

Why Lying Shouldn't Be Free Speech

March 27, 202614 min read

We punish lies everywhere except where they do the most damage. Fraud is illegal. Perjury is illegal. False advertising is illegal. But lie to millions about an election? Protected speech. That's incoherent.

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Federal Spending

The Deal Trump Ripped Up vs. The Iran War

March 23, 20264 min read

We had a flawed agreement that capped Iran's nuclear program and cost nothing. We traded it for two bombing campaigns, 19+ dead Americans, and a nuclear stockpile we can no longer locate.

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Federal Spending

We Subsidize Israel's Defense So They Can Afford Universal Healthcare

March 18, 20264 min read

American taxpayers have sent $17.9 billion to Israel since October 2023. That money covers their defense so they can afford to cover their citizens. We cover neither.

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Federal Spending

Kash Patel's FBI Jet Use: A $490,000 Question for Taxpayers

February 25, 202611 min read

FBI Director Kash Patel spent $490,000 in taxpayer money flying to hockey games, girlfriend visits, and sports events. He previously criticized this exact behavior. The hypocrisy is documented. The costs are real. The accountability is missing.

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