Elon Musk’s Adviser Uncovers $15 Billion IRS Tech Disaster – 30 Years Late
In a bombshell revelation, Sam Corcos, a technology adviser working with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), exposed the staggering failure of the IRS’s modernization project. Speaking on Fox News, Corcos revealed that the program—intended to modernize the agency’s computer systems—was originally scheduled for completion in 1996 but remains unfinished, costing taxpayers over $15 billion more than expected.
Outdated Systems Crippling the IRS
Corcos stated, “We’re dealing with mainframes running COBOL and Assembly. This technology was state-of-the-art in the 1970s.” The legacy infrastructure has prevented the IRS from effectively collecting taxes and providing Congress with a clear picture of federal spending. Millions of tax returns are still processed using obsolete methods, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies.
Consultants Blamed for Bloated Costs
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the contractor system, saying, “These consultants are like a boa constrictor, squeezing every last dollar out of our budget.” He emphasized that the problem wasn’t the IRS employees, but rather the entrenched consultant groups delaying progress while racking up massive fees.
Bessent added that DOGE is working to implement a system that is faster, more secure, and cheaper. The goal: efficiency and accountability to restore public trust in government spending.
“Magic Money Computers” – Musk’s Explosive Claim
In a separate conversation with Senator Ted Cruz on his podcast, Elon Musk dropped a stunning claim. He revealed that at least 14 federal agencies use “magic money computers”—automated systems capable of issuing payments without evidence or authorization.
Musk warned that these systems operate independently, generating massive discrepancies in reported spending. He estimated that actual federal expenditures could be off by up to five percent—a discrepancy that could amount to trillions of dollars.
Urgent Calls for Reform
Conservative lawmakers are now demanding a comprehensive audit of federal payment systems, along with new legislation that would:
- Mandate data synchronization across all automated systems
- Require regular independent audits of agency finances
- Implement real-time monitoring to detect unauthorized payments
- Enforce transparency through detailed public reports
Implications for Federal Oversight
The revelations have intensified the ongoing debate over federal waste and fiscal responsibility. Critics argue that outdated systems and unchecked automation threaten both transparency and financial accountability. Supporters of the reform push view Musk and DOGE’s involvement as essential to rooting out corruption and inefficiency.
The Path Forward
As the Trump administration continues its campaign to eliminate waste and abuse, these disclosures could mark the beginning of major federal financial reform. The focus is now on how best to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is tracked and used responsibly.
These developments raise a critical question: How can America ensure that its financial systems are built not just for today—but for a transparent, accountable future?