WASHINGTON (TNND) — Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), announced on Tuesday that he would “consult with” President Donald Trump following a proposal from the CEO of an investment firm regarding a potential “DOGE dividend.”
James Fishback, CEO of Azoria Partners, shared a plan on the social media platform X, outlining a proposal to issue checks exceeding $5,000 next year to every tax-paying household, funded by the savings generated from DOGE initiatives within the U.S.
“I will check in with the President,” Musk responded.
If the U.S. were to embrace Fishback’s idea, every household that pays more in federal income tax than they receive would be eligible for a refund amounting to $5063.29, according to the CEO.
Fishback indicated that the necessary funds for these refunds would stem from $400 billion in savings that DOGE is expected to produce for the government. He stated that this refund could motivate individuals to enter the workforce, as only those who significantly contribute to income tax would qualify.
“The potential for a $5,000 DOGE Dividend in 2026 will encourage many to return to the labor market by 2025 to qualify for the DOGE Dividend,” Fishback noted. “The current low participation in the labor force is hindering U.S. economic growth, and the DOGE Dividend will serve as a strong motivation to address this issue.”
Moreover, the refund would encourage taxpayers to report cases of waste, fraud, and abuse to DOGE, as the CEO indicated that an increase in saved funds would lead to a larger “DOGE dividend” payout.
“This approach will significantly expand the opportunities for DOGE to identify cost-cutting measures, thereby enhancing DOGE’s overall savings and consequently elevating the size of President Trump’s DOGE Dividend for taxpayers,” the proposal stated.
Preston Brashers, a tax policy research fellow at The Heritage Foundation, remarked that the refunds might resemble stimulus checks and could lead to a resurgence of inflation.
“I appreciate what DOGE is attempting, but this plan is misguided. There’s no need to issue ‘dividend checks,’” Brashers commented on X. “The real dividend from reducing spending is the potential to control inflation.”
If you have questions, concerns, or tips, please contact Ray at [email protected].
