The White House has announced plans to terminate federal agencies’ subscriptions to Politico Pro, following revelations that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated substantial funds for these services. According to USASpending.gov, federal agencies collectively spent $8.2 million on Politico Pro subscriptions last year.
Politico Pro is a premium news service offering in-depth policy analysis and reporting across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and energy. Subscription costs for this service are significant, with reports indicating prices ranging from $7,000 to $15,000 annually, depending on the package and number of users.
The decision to cancel these subscriptions comes amid broader efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, to scrutinize and reduce federal expenditures. Musk has been vocal about eliminating what he considers wasteful spending, including high-cost media subscriptions.
Senator Mike Lee has expressed concern over USAID’s spending on Politico subscriptions, questioning the appropriateness of such expenditures by a government agency.
In response to the controversy, a White House spokesperson stated that the administration is committed to ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently and that all expenditures undergo thorough review.
This move is part of a larger initiative to reassess federal spending, particularly in areas where costs may outweigh benefits. The cancellation of Politico Pro subscriptions underscores the administration’s focus on fiscal responsibility and the elimination of perceived unnecessary expenses.
