Elon Musk Responds to Proposal for DOGE Savings Redistribution

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has responded to a suggestion on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the redistribution of savings made by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). An X user proposed that the money saved by the department be divided among all tax-paying Americans, estimating that each household could receive approximately $5,000 (₹4.3 lakh). Musk replied, saying he would "check with the President" on the matter.

DOGE and Its Purpose

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is reportedly focused on reducing government spending. The initiative, according to entrepreneur James Fishback, claims to be achieving $1 billion in daily savings. The department, which was allegedly established in January 2025, aims to cut funding for various government programs. Musk, who has been linked to the initiative, has stated that he is not receiving any payment for his involvement.

Proposed "DOGE Dividend"

Fishback introduced the idea of a "DOGE Dividend," which would serve as a tax refund for Americans. He suggested that after the initiative ends in July 2026, a portion of the total savings—approximately $400 billion—could be distributed among nearly 79 million taxpaying households. This would result in a payout of $5,000 per household.

Fishback emphasized that the dividend could serve as compensation for taxpayers, who he claims have faced "egregious misuse and abuse" of their funds. Additionally, he suggested that the program could incentivize the public to report instances of government waste, fraud, and inefficiency.

Public and Economic Impact

Supporters of the proposal believe that the DOGE Dividend could boost trust between citizens and the government while encouraging greater workforce participation. A report by the Philadelphia Federal Bank cited by Fishback noted that nearly 7 million working-age men in the U.S. are neither employed nor actively seeking jobs. The dividend could serve as motivation for some individuals to reenter the workforce.

Skepticism and Uncertainty

Despite the ambitious claims, the legitimacy of the Department of Government Efficiency remains unverified. There has been no official confirmation from the U.S. government regarding the existence of such a department or its financial impact. Furthermore, economic experts have raised concerns about the feasibility of redistributing such a large sum without significant policy changes.

As of now, Musk’s remark remains a vague response rather than a concrete commitment. Whether the proposal gains traction or remains an internet discussion remains to be seen.