The following is from Rasmussen Reports.

Most voters say fraud in federal government spending programs is a serious problem, but many appear to underestimate the amount of money involved, according to a new Rasmussen Reports survey.

Seventy-nine percent (79%) of likely US voters say fraud in federal government spending programs is a serious problem, including 55% who say it is a very serious problem. Just 17% say the problem is not serious.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently cited Government Accountability Office estimates that fraud may total as much as $500 billion annually. However, only 19% of voters say they believe fraud exceeds $500 billion a year.

Eighteen percent (18%) estimate annual fraud at between $250 billion and $500 billion. Twenty-five percent (25%) say it amounts to between $100 billion and $250 billion, while 21% believe it is less than $100 billion annually. Seventeen percent (17%) say they are not sure.

Voters overwhelmingly support enforcement efforts. Ninety percent (90%) say it is important to arrest and prosecute those who commit fraud in federal government spending programs, including 72% who say it is very important.

Views vary somewhat by party. Republicans are more likely than Democrats or unaffiliated voters to estimate the amount of fraud at $250 billion or more annually. Majorities of Republicans, Democrats and unaffiliated voters also say prosecuting government spending fraud is very important.

The survey of 1,107 likely US voters was conducted June 3-4 and 7, 2026. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.

To view survey question wording, click here.