Michael Smerconish of CNN engaged in a passionate exchange with an investor advocating for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to return 20 percent of its findings to American citizens.
James Fishback, CEO of investment firm Azoria, joined Smerconish’s program to talk about the potential impact of his ‘DOGE dividend’, a stimulus check initiative he recently shared on X.
Fishback suggested that the government should allocate 20 percent of the projected $2 trillion DOGE aims to uncover from corrupt expenditures — roughly $400 billion — to the approximately 79 million households across the nation, resulting in about $5,000 for each household.
Nonetheless, Smerconish dismissed the idea as unrealistic given that the US is $36 trillion in debt. Even if DOGE were to uncover the $2 trillion, it would not significantly alleviate that debt burden.
‘This is where reality sets in,’ Smerconish asserted. ‘That’s $106,121 for every individual in America.’
‘So if Elon Musk manages to help us save money from waste, fraud, and abuse — and I genuinely hope he does, James — I’m not a fan of the method, but I appreciate that action is being taken.’
‘There’s no money available! We owe $36 trillion, which amounts to $106,000 per person. Therefore, whatever savings may exist, it’s not like President Trump is giving us a gift by returning 20 percent.’
Fishback argued that the dividend would ‘motivate all Americans to report waste, fraud, and abuse, effectively reducing the budget, shrinking the deficit, and tackling the debt.’
CNN ‘s Michael Smerconish engaged in a heated discussion with an investor who suggested that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) return 20 percent of its findings to US citizens despite the nation’s significant debt
Fishback suggested that the government allocate 20 percent of the $2 trillion DOGE aims to uncover from corrupt spending — approximately $400 billion — distributing it to around 79 million households nationwide, equating to about $5,000 per household
He also criticized the US for providing hundreds of billions in aid to Ukraine during the conflict with Russia, erroneously quoting the inflated figure of $350 billion as stated by President Trump on Truth Social.
According to a January report from the Congressional Research Service, the US has only allocated $174 billion in direct aid to Ukraine, which was published just before Trump’s inauguration.
‘What kind of emergency did we have when we supposedly wasted $350 billion on Ukraine?’ Fishback questioned. ‘Where was the emergency, Michael, when CNN was promoting $7,000 for migrants in Chicago?’
‘Hardworking Americans deserve a $5,000 check with President Trump’s name on it.’
‘This is essentially a Ponzi scheme,’ replied Smerconish as tensions rose. ‘We simply don’t have the funds. That’s the crux of the matter. It’s a Ponzi—.’
‘So, we didn’t have the funds for Ukraine, right?’ Fishback shot back.
The two began speaking over one another before Smerconish asserted his authority: ‘Theoretically, it’s my program,’ as he threatened to cut off Fishback’s microphone to finish his point.
‘I rarely do this, and I don’t wish to be that person. Should I silence your microphone?’ he queried.
Smerconish regarded Fishback’s proposal as implausible, given America’s $36 trillion debt. Nevertheless, Fishback maintained: ‘Hardworking Americans deserve a $5,000 check with President Trump’s name on it’
Fishback allowed Smerconish to complete his statement, in which the host reiterated that the proposal was misleading, claiming it was an ‘absolute fraud’ to suggest the American people could receive $5,000 simply due to Musk’s initiatives.
‘The only way we could have $5,000 is if we were borrowing it because our debt is so extensive,’ he stated. ‘We owe it to the American people to be honest about the fact that any hypothetical savings are already accounted for.’
In response, Fishback asserted that the only ‘fraud’ occurring in America stemmed from the US’s financial contributions abroad and its handling of the migrant crisis.
Following this exchange, Smerconish declared the interview over.
This incident marks yet another instance of tense dialogues between CNN journalists and Trump-affiliated guests and experts.
CNN Health Reporter Jacqueline Howard recently challenged a statement made by Donald Trump regarding gender, reacting to comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that there are only two sexes.
She pointed out the exclusion of intersex and transgender individuals from such statements.
‘There is concern that we could lose critical data and research in this field, impacting doctors and patients in tangible ways.
Fishback argued that the dividend would inspire Americans to identify waste, fraud, and abuse, thereby facilitating budget reductions, decreasing the deficit, and alleviating the debt
‘This is why there has been significant backlash regarding these new definitions,’ she added.
CNN anchor Pamela Brown had a confrontational exchange with an aide to newly appointed health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. concerning the administration’s priorities.
Calley Means, an adviser to RFK Jr., interjected as Brown posed a question to infectious disease expert Dr. Paul Offit about the rise in measles cases.
‘Pamela, with all due respect, why aren’t you addressing that 50 percent of adolescents are struggling with obesity?’ he queried.
Brown swiftly countered, delivering a sharp rebuttal, stating that she had queries for both participants and aimed to examine a wide array of healthcare-related topics.
She emphasized that she had proactively covered numerous related issues.
‘Please don’t assert that I’m not asking the right questions… I intend to discuss obesity. Don’t… allege that I’m failing to inquire about significant matters because I have addressed that on this program.
‘I have other questions for you, but we are currently focusing on this,’ Brown concluded.
