Donald Trump eyes giving taxpayers cut of DOGE savings amid uproar

President Donald Trump suggested that some savings from his federal cost-cutting effort, overseen by billionaire Elon Musk, could be sent back to US taxpayers, with another portion being used to reduce the national deficit. “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, because the numbers are incredible,” Trump said referring to his Department of Government Efficiency effort during an address Wednesday at an investment summit backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund in Miami. Musk responded this week to a post on his social media platform X suggesting that Trump announce a “DOGE Dividend” with a $5,000 tax refund check sent to taxpaying households, saying he would “check with the President.” The remarks were the latest signal that Trump is working to justify his DOGE effort, which has sent shockwaves through Washington as Musk’s moves to slash the federal government’s spending and workforce invite legal challenges and questions over the effort’s authority and powers. Many companies “want to come to the White House and have a little news conference,” Trump said, adding “$10 billion or more, and I’m there.” Trump also highlighted his administration’s focus on boosting the artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency sectors, saying he was “committed to making America the crypto capital.” Saudi Engagement The summit host is backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs, providing an opportunity to curry favor with those controlling the $925 billion in PIF assets.