It could be that some "egotistical and powerful" people think they can do something more meaningful with the money than the U.S. government would.

I'm reminded of the John Carmack article on Government and Taxes.

"So much of the government just grinds up money, like shoveling cash into a wood chipper."

It's worth reading (sorry can't find a better link, use this link and click to expand the first comment)

https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/threads/entreprenuer-...