United States President Donald Trump has expressed support for a proposal that would allocate a portion of cost savings from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to American citizens, reported The Associated Press.
Speaking at an investment conference in Miami on Wednesday, Trump stated that the administration is evaluating a plan in which 20% of the savings generated through DOGE’s cost-cutting measures would be distributed to the public, while another 20% would be used to reduce the national debt.
Trump emphasised that such an initiative could encourage individuals to report inefficiencies in government spending. “They’ll be reporting it themselves. They participate in the process of saving us money” he said.
Read more: Musk’s DOGE to lead Trump’s purge of federal regulations
During his return flight to Washington aboard Air Force One, trump was asked about the concept proposed by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Responding to reporters, he reiterated his enthusiasm. “I love it,” he said.
The discussion gained traction after Musk engaged with a social media post suggesting that he and Trump should introduce a “DOGE Dividend” – a mechanism to return a portion of savings from DOGE’s initiatives to taxpayers. Musk, who founded the Department of Government Efficiency, responded that he would consult with Trump on the matter.
DOGE has been responsible for substantial cost-cutting efforts within the federal government, leading to the dismissal or layoff of thousands of government employees. The proposal to return some of these savings to taxpayers has sparked a debate over the broader implications of such financial restructuring.
Read more: Trump administration tries to bring back fired nuclear weapons workers in DOGE reversal
While details on the logistics of the potential dividend remain unclear, trump’s endorsement suggests that the idea may gain momentum in policy discussions. Supporters argue that offering financial incentives could increase public participation in identifying and reducing government waste. However, critics caution that the long-term effects of mass layoffs and reduced federal workforce capacity need careful consideration.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to streamline government operations and curb unnecessary expenditures. Whether the proposal will be formally introduced or implemented remains uncertain, but Trump’s remarks indicate on openness to exploring mechanisms that reward cost-saving measures while addressing national financial concerns.
