'Mississippi Musk': State auditor's MOGE report finds $400M in government waste

Fox News - Apr 14th, 2025
Open on Fox News

Mississippi State Auditor Shad White has revealed findings from his office's audits, indicating that the state has experienced $400 million in waste, fraud, and abuse during his tenure. White, in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, likened his team's efforts to Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, highlighting significant inefficiencies in state spending. A detailed 800-page report is set to be released, identifying areas such as Medicaid subsidies misallocated to income-ineligible recipients and exorbitant spending by state agencies on items like televisions.

The report underscores the critical need for efficient use of public funds in Mississippi, where 20% of the population lives below the poverty line. White's findings have broader implications, illustrating the prevalence of waste at various government levels and emphasizing the necessity for states to scrutinize their expenditures. White's collaboration with auditors in other states, such as Oklahoma, points to a growing movement towards government accountability and efficiency, inspired by federal initiatives like that of the DOJ and Musk's DOGE. This revelation may prompt legislative actions aimed at curbing unnecessary expenditures and fostering transparency in public finance.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article effectively highlights issues of government waste and inefficiency in Mississippi, drawing on the findings of State Auditor Shad White. It is timely and of high public interest, addressing concerns that affect taxpayers directly. The story is clear and engaging, though it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives to provide a more balanced view. The reliance on a single source limits its depth, and greater transparency regarding the audit methodology would enhance its credibility. Overall, the article successfully raises awareness about government spending issues but could be strengthened by incorporating additional viewpoints and detailed evidence.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that are largely supported by the information available from the Mississippi state auditor's office. The claim of uncovering $400 million in government waste is a central point and aligns with the auditor's reported findings. However, the story would benefit from more specific details on how these figures were calculated and verified. The mention of Medicaid subsidies and inefficient spending examples, such as expensive television purchases and DEI initiatives, are plausible but would require further evidence or direct sourcing from audit reports to fully confirm their accuracy. Overall, the story is mostly accurate but lacks comprehensive verification for some claims.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of Mississippi State Auditor Shad White, focusing on his findings and opinions. It lacks a diverse range of viewpoints, particularly from those who might challenge or contextualize White's claims, such as state officials or independent experts in government efficiency. The story could be more balanced by including responses from other stakeholders, such as those involved in the programs criticized or independent analysts who could provide a broader context. This singular focus on White's perspective creates a potential bias in the narrative.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and straightforward, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the main points. The language is accessible, and the structure is coherent, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. However, some technical terms, such as 'DEI,' could benefit from brief explanations for readers unfamiliar with the terminology. Overall, the article effectively communicates its key messages without unnecessary jargon or complexity.

6
Source quality

The primary source for the story is Shad White, the Mississippi State Auditor, whose statements provide the foundation for the article. While White is a credible source regarding state audits, the reliance on a single source limits the depth of reporting. Additional sources, such as the audit reports themselves or commentary from other state officials, would enhance the article's credibility. The lack of diverse sourcing means the reader must rely heavily on White's interpretation of the data without corroboration from independent or secondary sources.

5
Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding the methodology behind the auditor's findings. While it mentions an 800-page report detailing the waste, it does not explain how the data was gathered or analyzed. The lack of detail on the audit process or the criteria used to identify waste limits the reader's understanding of the basis for the claims. More explicit disclosure of the methods and potential limitations of the audit would improve transparency and help readers assess the reliability of the findings.

Sources

  1. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mississippi-musk-state-auditors-moge-report-finds-400m-government-waste
  2. https://www.osa.ms.gov/news/state-auditor-shad-white-releases-project-momentum-largest-government-waste-audit-decades
  3. https://www.wcbi.com/state-auditor-says-hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars-wasted-in-ms/
  4. https://mississippitoday.org/2024/10/28/government-spending-waste-shad-white/
  5. https://www.foxnews.com/video/6371359162112