DOGE head Elon Musk hinted at this possibility on Wednesday, stating that he would “check with the president” over what some have deemed DOGE dividend checks for taxpayers next year. While some have raised concerns over these possible checks causing inflation, many CPAC attendees were welcoming of the possibility, specifically regarding how it would showcase the work that DOGE has done for voters.
“I guess from my perspective, what I like about it the most, it’s great politics because it gives Americans a very kind of tangible example of the work that they’re getting, that they’re doing, and it allows them to kind of give back to the people that voted for them, essentially,” CPAC attendee Angus Kennelly told the Washington Examiner.
Courtney Mitchell similarly thought the DOGE payments were a “fantastic” idea, suggesting that taxpayers deserve this since most of them voted for Trump. She added that this would be a “lovely way to boost the economy” and start “the golden age of America.”
CPAC attendee Alan Rosenthal, meanwhile, was “equivocal” on the possible payments, questioning if the money saved by DOGE could be used for “more important” things. However, he also said he “wouldn’t turn it down” should the government decide to issue the payments of up to $5,000 to taxpayers.
The Native Patriot, a conservative content creator with the Patriots Prayer Network, was also “torn” on the possible payments, stating it would be good for taxpayers to receive some of their money. However, he noted how massive the nation’s debt is, which he said needs to be paid off.
“It almost feels like one of those ‘feel good movements’ where it’s like ‘OK, we’ve been doing x amount for the government, now it’s time to give back to the people,’ and in a way, that does sound good,” the Native Patriot told the Washington Examiner. “But I would like to keep my taxes in the first place as opposed to paying it in and then have it give it back to me as a gift.”
HOWARD LUTNICK SAYS ELON MUSK COMMITTED TO CUT $1 TRILLION
At CPAC, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) poured cold water on the possibility of these DOGE dividend payments, citing how the Republican Party seeks to achieve “fiscal responsibility.” Johnson also pointed to the nation’s debt and how the United States needs to “pay down the credit card.”
Meanwhile, the White House has insisted that such payments would not cause inflation. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett has contended that government spending going down would reduce inflation and that people would save “a bunch” of the money they would receive from the government.
