Former President Donald Trump has expressed support for an idea that would give American citizens a financial benefit from government savings. The proposal comes from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which focuses on reducing wasteful government spending.
Speaking at an investment conference in Miami, Trump shared that his administration was considering a plan where 20% of the money saved through DOGE’s cost-cutting measures would be given back to U.S. citizens as a dividend. Another 20% would go toward reducing the national debt.
Trump also mentioned that this initiative would encourage people to help identify unnecessary government expenses. “People will report wasteful spending themselves,” he said. “They will be part of the process of saving money for the country.”
Later, while returning to Washington on Air Force One, Trump was asked about the proposal again. He reaffirmed his support, saying, “I love it.”
Elon Musk had previously hinted at the idea on his social media platform. When someone suggested that Trump and Musk should introduce a “DOGE Dividend” to return savings to taxpayers, Musk responded by saying, “I will check with the President.”
The cost-cutting efforts by DOGE have already resulted in thousands of federal employees being laid off or fired. Supporters of the plan believe it will make the government more efficient while also benefiting taxpayers. However, critics may raise concerns about job losses and how the savings will be distributed.
The proposal is still in its early stages, and it remains to be seen whether it will move forward. If implemented, it could mark a new approach to government spending by directly involving citizens in identifying waste and rewarding them for doing so.
