Florida Governor Ron DeSantis revealed that his administration returned $878 million in taxpayer funds to the federal government following a recent meeting with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and leaders from DOGE. The funds, originally allocated through federal programs, were reviewed after concerns about excessive government spending and Florida’s financial independence.
DeSantis emphasized that the decision to send back the funds aligned with his administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and limited government. He explained that Florida had determined the funds were either unnecessary or came with burdensome conditions that conflicted with the state’s policies.
The meeting with Musk and DOGE leadership reportedly focused on economic growth, federal overreach, and Florida’s proactive stance in managing taxpayer money. According to DeSantis, both Musk and DOGE officials praised the move, calling it an example of responsible governance.
DeSantis stressed that Florida’s strong economy made it possible to reject federal funds, further distancing the state from what he described as unsustainable national spending. He added that Florida would continue to prioritize policies that protect taxpayers while promoting economic growth without relying heavily on Washington.