Trump has voiced strong backing for a straightforward plan: use savings from Elon Musk’s aggressive spending cuts to directly benefit American citizens.
At a Glance
- Donald Trump supports dispensing dividend payments from savings by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
- The plan suggests 20% of DOGE savings be distributed as checks to Americans while another 20% addresses national debt.
- Skeptics question the feasibility of Musk’s proposed $2 trillion cuts, opening doubts about the plan’s success.
- Concerns arise over potential inflationary impacts, mimicking past stimulus measures.
Trump Endorses DOGE Savings Dividend
President Donald Trump has endorsed a plan proposed by Elon Musk to distribute dividends to American citizens from savings generated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This innovative concept proposes returning taxpayer money by dispensing 20% of the savings in form of checks to citizens. Another 20% of these savings would contribute to reducing the national debt. Musk shared this plan at a recent investment conference, highlighting its dual benefit of offering citizen dividends and addressing national fiscal issues.
Trump expressed his enthusiasm for the idea, noting, “There’s even under consideration a new concept where we give 20% of the DOGE savings to American citizens, and 20% goes to paying down debt, because the numbers are incredible.” Source
Feasibility and Skepticism
Elon Musk’s target of achieving a staggering $2 trillion in savings through DOGE has been questioned by many experts. Musk has since acknowledged the challenge, admitting that a $1 trillion reduction is a more attainable figure. Critics, however, remain skeptical about the feasibility of such monumental savings, especially with mandatory spending commitments tied to government programs. Jessica Reidl of the Manhattan Institute commented, “It is completely impossible for DOGE to save $2 trillion.” Source
Despite these criticisms, Trump finds merit in the plan, believing citizen dividends would serve as incentives for taxpayers to actively report financial misuse within government operations. With DOGE claiming to have saved $55 billion by cutting federal agencies, the plan’s efficiency could potentially extend further with nationwide cooperation. Yet, questions linger over how the remainder of DOGE’s savings will be utilized.
Jesse Waters speaks truth on our DOGE Dividend Proposal for President Trump:
"DOGE Dividend checks aren't stimulus checks, like where we printed money and mailed them out.
These are savings. Costs us nothing. It's a dividend payment that Americans deserve. We'll take the… https://t.co/O7IkGrPpxF pic.twitter.com/1H1jzZqeP9
— James Fishback (@j_fishback) February 19, 2025
Inflation Concerns and Congressional Approval
The prospect of disbursing checks to American households has raised alarm over potential inflationary consequences. Experts warn of a repeat scenario reminiscent of pandemic stimulus payments, linked to a 2.6 percentage point surge in US inflation. In June 2022, inflation reached a stark 40-year high of 9.1%, and it continues to exceed the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Supporters continue to point out that these are not stimulus checks that create more debt. Any money sent to the American people would be the result of money saved – not money printed.
Moreover, implementing DOGE dividends would require Congressional approval. At present, Congress is engrossed in budget proposals aimed at spending cuts. Considering the US economy’s current robustness — with GDP growth and low unemployment — pundits suggest rebate checks could be deemed unnecessary. Looking ahead, the federal government struggles with an escalating national debt, complicating the prospects of rolling out such a sweeping initiative.
