Remember when she gave away 100 cars or so to each audience member. I'm not sure whether she revealed the fact that these were donated by GM or Ford but my understanding is that she played it as if it was coming out her pocket. If she did mention it was a gift from an auto manufacturer it was not apparent in the first stories I saw reported. Only after some questioned the gift did the truth get reported.
Correct me if I am wrong.
You are right, the people also had to pay taxes on the gifts. I heard that one of the recipients of a house on Extreme Makeover home edition, is now unable to pay the fire insurance and property taxes. I guess you can move people out of the poor house, but you cannot change their hearts and habits.