So now it turns out that the Obama White House was warned privately in no uncertain terms last January against a fresh infusion of taxpayer cash to financially beleaguered Solyndra.

Indeed, according to newly released e-mails, a top career official at the Office of Management and Budget warned that the rapidy deteriorating Solyndra situation could damage the president politically.

But the solar-paneling company -- a centerpiece of President Obama’s “green jobs” initiative -- pleaded that it was in danger of collapsing without new capital.

So the money went through -- and Solyndra went belly-up two weeks ago, after burning through $535 million in taxpayer-funded loan guarantees.

A few days later, the FBI raided its offices, seizing files and documents.

Incredibly, OMB staffers had estimated that keeping Solyndra alive but struggling -- as the administration did -- instead of allowing it to liquidate last January would cost taxpayers an extra $168 million.