Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reportedly announced the return of over $878 million in taxpayer funds to the federal government, a decision influenced by a recent meeting with billionaire Elon Musk.
DeSantis’s office reported that the state had been trying to return these federal funds for several years, primarily due to ideological restrictions imposed by the Biden administration.
In a post on social media, DeSantis expressed frustration that the federal government had been unable to facilitate this return.
Following his meeting with Musk and the team from the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the governor stated they managed to complete the transaction the same day.
He encouraged other states to follow Florida’s example in supporting DOGE’s initiatives.
The formal communication to the U.S. Treasury Department specified the exact amount to be returned: $878,112,000.
DeSantis emphasized that Florida would continue to search for additional excess federal funds to return, aiming to set a precedent for fiscal responsibility among other states.
Musk, who serves as a senior advisor to former President Donald Trump, acknowledged the significance of saving nearly a billion dollars of taxpayer money in his response.
Moreover, DeSantis recently established the DOGE task force to further enhance the efficiency of state government, eliminate waste, and ensure accountability.
The initiative is designed to review operations, audit spending habits, and utilize technology to uncover inefficiencies.
DeSantis stated that Florida exemplifies fiscally conservative governance and aims to continue refining the management of state funds for the benefit of its residents.
The governor’s actions reflect a commitment to reducing the state’s reliance on federal assistance while promoting efficient governmental practices.
[READ MORE: DeSantis Calls Out Do Nothing Republicans in Congress]
