Billion-Dollar Blunder: Did the Government Really Spend $1 Billion on a 10-Question Survey?

During a March 27, 2025, interview with Bret Baier on Fox News’ Special Report, Elon Musk made a startling claim: the U.S. government allegedly spent nearly $1 billion on a simple 10-question survey—something he argued could have been done for $10,000 using SurveyMonkey. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration, Musk aims to cut $1 trillion from the deficit in 130 days. His statement has sparked intense debate about government spending, efficiency, and transparency. But is his claim accurate?

Breaking Down the Numbers

A $1 billion price tag for a short survey is difficult to verify, as Musk did not specify the agency, contractor, or survey in question. For context, the 2020 Census—a massive nationwide effort—cost $14.2 billion, while the annual American Community Survey runs at about $220 million. While government inefficiencies and compliance costs can drive up expenses, a 10-question survey costing nearly five times the price of the American Community Survey raises significant questions.

That said, government waste is well-documented. The Government Accountability Office estimates between $233 billion and $521 billion is lost annually to fraud and improper payments. A 2023 Social Security report found $300 million in payments sent to deceased individuals. Even if Musk’s figure is exaggerated, the broader concern about reckless spending is valid.

Could Musk Be Right?

While Musk has a history of bold statements, his claim should not be dismissed outright. Government contracts often come with inflated costs due to bureaucracy, security measures, and regulatory compliance. It is not unheard of for seemingly simple projects to balloon in price. In 2014, the troubled rollout of Healthcare.gov initially cost $93 million but soared to over $2 billion due to delays and mismanagement. If a survey were handled inefficiently—such as through expensive private contractors—Musk’s claim may not be entirely baseless.

However, without evidence, his statement remains speculative. Critics argue that Musk has previously made errors in budget calculations, such as a $7.992 billion discrepancy in DOGE’s “wall of receipts” website, reported by Forbes in February 2025. To substantiate his claim, DOGE should release documentation proving the survey’s cost and methodology.

The Bigger Issue: Transparency

Musk’s claim, whether exaggerated or not, underscores a real frustration among taxpayers over government spending. His critics demand more evidence, while his supporters see this as further proof of bureaucratic waste. The debate highlights the need for greater transparency in federal expenditures—whether it’s a billion-dollar survey or smaller instances of mismanagement.

Until official records confirm the details, the truth remains unclear. If Musk is correct, it would expose a major fiscal failure. If he’s wrong, it raises concerns about misinformation in government accountability efforts. Either way, taxpayers deserve clear answers.