What would you do if you had an additional $5,000? This intriguing question is stirring discussions across the nation—and specifically in the Coachella Valley—after President Donald Trump hinted at a potential plan to return 20% of federal savings from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) back to American taxpayers.
During his speech at the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Trump stated, “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.” The notion of a “DOGE Dividend” was first put forth by James Fishback, the CEO of Azoria investment firm, and gained momentum after Elon Musk tweeted, “Will check with the President.”
The math behind this proposal is striking. Musk aims to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget. If this goal is realized, 20% of those savings—estimated at about $400 billion—would equate to roughly $5,000 for every U.S. household. For families in the Coachella Valley, this could provide significant relief with expenses like rent, groceries, or gas.
However, there’s skepticism regarding the actual savings. While DOGE claims to have saved $55 billion, Bloomberg points out that the website only substantiates $16.6 billion of that amount. Additionally, The New York Times discovered an $8 billion “savings” that was actually an $8 million contract, highlighting a considerable miscalculation. Despite these inconsistencies, a federal judge recently permitted DOGE to persist in engaging with federal agencies and managing cost-cutting initiatives amidst ongoing legal disputes.
For residents looking for financial relief, this proposal brings to mind the 2020 stimulus checks issued during the pandemic—complete with Trump’s signature. Whether this plan materializes remains uncertain, but it’s certainly generating discussion throughout the Coachella Valley.
(Credit: Market Briefs)
