Elon Musk and Donald Trump have a golden opportunity with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Tasked with slashing $2 trillion in federal waste, they’ve sparked a debate: what to do with the savings? Two paths emerge. One, backed by Musk and floated by President Trump, is a “DOGE Dividend” — $5,000 tax refund checks for American households, drawn from 20 percent of the savings, or $400 billion.

The other, my preferred proposal, is to use that $400 billion to pay down our ballooning national debt. Here’s why the latter isn’t just better for America — it’s the winning play for Trump’s loyal base.
Let’s start with the options. The refund idea, pitched by Azoria CEO James Fishback and cheered by Musk on X, promises a windfall: $400 billion split among 79 million tax-paying households. It’s a populist sweetener — cash in hand, a thank-you note from Uncle Sam. Trump’s mulling it, saying on Feb. 19, 2025, he’s “considering” the plan. Fair enough — it’s got appeal. Who doesn’t like free money?
But there’s a better way. Take that $400 billion and attack the $34 trillion national debt instead. No checks, no fanfare — just a hard swing at the fiscal monster choking our future. It’s not as flashy, but it’s smarter. Here’s why. (RELATED: From GDP to Reality: Putting the $35 Trillion Debt Into Perspective)
First, it’s about responsibility. Trump’s base — conservatives who powered his 2024 win — care about the long haul. They’re not just “America First” cheerleaders; they’re deficit hawks who see $34 trillion as a generational theft issue. Refunds might thrill the liberal spenders who’d never vote red anyway, but paying down debt resonates with the MAGA faithful. It’s not a handout — it’s a hand-up for the next generation. “Use the DOGE Dividend responsibly, for our future,” as I’d put it. (RELATED: The Stupid Party Gets Smart on Spending)
Second, it fights inflation — a burden all Americans feel. Handing out $400 billion in checks pumps cash into an economy still reel...