After being presented facts about GAO estimates of fraud in government spending, 84% of American voters agree that instead of letting taxes go up or cutting safety net programs, the government should figure out how to stop paying crooks.
WHY IT MATTERS
Congress is currently debating a tax and spending bill that is looking to stop the tax increase scheduled for next year and reduce spending. The results show that concrete ways to prevent fraud prevention must be part of the conversation.
HOW TO USE THIS DATA
Advocates for stopping fraud in safety net programs and other government spending should use these results to show Americans highly prioritize fraud reduction.
Click on the image below to read the full report…or read the summary below.
1-in-4 Taxpayer Dollars Lost to Fraud
- On average, Americans believe 25% of all federal spending is lost to fraud. The average for Republicans is 33%, for Democrats it is 19%, and for independents it is 24%.
- On average, women believe there is more fraud than men (28% compared to 23%, respectively).
- Target voters perceive more fraud in government spending than those in the Left Minority. These voters include Trump Persuadables (those who approve of Trump policies but are undecided or voting Democrat on the 2026 generic ballot) and undecided and leaning voters in the New Majority.
More than 8-in-10 Agree: Stop Fraud Instead of Allowing Tax Increase
- 84% agree that instead of letting taxes go up, the government should figure out how to stop paying crooks. This includes 92% of Republicans, 85% of Democrats, and 84% of independents.
- Agreement is stronger among older voters. 93% of Baby Boomer+ voters agree compared to 74% of Gen Z voters.
More than 8-in-10 Agree: Stop Fraud Instead of Cutting Safety Net Programs
- 84% agree that instead of cutting safety net programs, the government should figure out how to stop paying crooks. This includes 85% of Republicans, 82% of Democrats, and 84% of independents.
Most Consider Fraud Prevention “Savings” Instead of “Cuts”
- 51% say that spending reductions from reducing fraud in safety net programs should be thought of as “savings” rather than “cuts” to the programs. 21% say they should be thought of as “cuts.” This belief is similar among all demographic groups.
What To Do with Savings from Fraud Prevention
- The preferred options for what to do with savings from fraud prevention are to pay down the debt and deficit and keep the money in the programs.
- A plurality of Republicans and independents prefer to use the savings to pay down the debt and deficit, while a plurality of Democrats prefer to keep the money in the programs.
- The question was split sampled to test the popularity of using the savings to pay for “stopping the scheduled tax increase” compared to “extending the Trump tax cuts.” The former earns more support, particularly from Democrats, independents, and swing voters. However, reducing the deficit and keeping the money in the programs is still more popular.