Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlights the Trump administration’s successful implementation of a verification system that has intercepted nearly $99 million in federal payments intended for deceased individuals. This initiative, established via Executive Order 14249, leverages the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File to flag suspicious transactions. Over 885 million payments totaling $2.77 trillion were screened, with 4,900 flagged for review based on deceased beneficiaries.
The system, deployed to combat fraud, waste, and abuse, has the potential to stop up to $350 million in improper payments this year. Treasury officials emphasize that redirecting funds to active recipients strengthens fiscal responsibility and ensures resources reach those in need. The program, now made permanent by Congress through the “Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act,” represents a critical step in securing federal financial systems.
During a recent appearance on “Mornings with Maria,” Bessent stressed the importance of proactive measures. “Once payments are disbursed, recovery is nearly impossible,” he stated. “Stopping misdirected funds at the source is essential to safeguarding taxpayer dollars and modernizing federal payment protocols.” He also noted that the current administration has reverted to stricter oversight, contrasting with the Biden-era reduction of 50-60 federal fraud monitors.
An embedded video featuring Bessent in the Oval Office accompanies this report, illustrating the administration’s focus on fiscal integrity.