The Daily Outrage: International slush fund

Published September 12, 2011 4:00am ET



Daily Outrage WHO: U.S. State Department

WHAT: It has used an emergency “K fund” during the last two years to pay for party invitations, a kitchen renovation and clothing for President Obama’s inauguration, according to an inspector general’s audit.

WHY IT’S AN OUTRAGE: The K fund is intended for real emergencies, such as evacuating ambassadors from war-torn countries, not to salvage wardrobe malfunctions on Inauguration Day. The State Department spent $34.3 million from the fund over the past two years, well beyond its $18 million budget request.

WHERE TO VENT: Call the State Department at 202-647-6575.