Voters Express Skepticism Over Trump's Proposed $5,000 Dividend

<p>Voters facing rising costs have expressed skepticism regarding President Donald Trump's proposed $5,000 dividend, with some residents recalling a previous DOGE dividend proposal that did not materialize.</p><p>Yolanda Lewis stated, "I feel like that's a pitch to get more votes. I'm still waiting on the DOGE check that he promised that we never received, so until he gives us a definite date saying when we're gonna get that and receive it, then I'll take that into consideration."</p><p>In February 2025, Trump suggested that savings generated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could be returned to taxpayers, with Elon Musk proposing payments of up to $5,000. Trump later supported the idea of returning 20% of DOGE savings to Americans. DOGE reported $110.3 billion in savings from contracts, grants, and leases, although a Government Accountability Office review found inaccuracies in some estimates.</p><p>With affordability being a significant concern for voters nationwide, Trump introduced a new "Trump dividend" plan at the Midterm GOP Convention on September 12, which would provide $5,000 to American adults if Republicans retain control of Congress.</p><p>Several voters in Detroit, interviewed at the Detroit Health Department’s annual Block Party, rejected the proposal, with some labeling it a "bribe" and others questioning the likelihood of the money being paid out.</p><p>Jahdante Smith, a Green Party candidate for the state House of Representatives, remarked, "I think it's kind of irresponsible because what is the long-term impact of this money?" He raised concerns about the nation's approximately $40 trillion debt and questioned the funding sources for the proposal.</p><p>Michigan, which Trump won by 1.4% in 2024, is a key battleground for Senate control, with Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers competing for an open Senate seat.</p><p>El-Sayed criticized Trump's $5,000 proposal as "unserious" during a rally in Lansing, stating, "Funny thing about it is like there's no world in which you can pay for it. So how about you actually do some governing and like solve the Social Security problem?"</p><p>The Rogers campaign did not directly address Trump's dividend plan but highlighted El-Sayed's support for a progressive tax plan.</p><p>William Davis, a Detroit retiree, emphasized the importance of affordability, stating, "Prices since Trump's been back in office have gone up on everything, especially gas." The current cost of gas in Detroit is $4.11 per gallon, compared to prices between $2.81 and $2.92 in January before the Iran war.</p><p>Martesha Adams, a nurse and young mother in Detroit, viewed the $5,000 proposal as an attempt to win over struggling Americans, saying, "The whole time I feel that he's been in the office, it's been a kind of game. And the $5K for bribery, that's nothing."</p><p>Shelby Campbell, a 2023 graduate of Wayne State University, described the proposal as "disgusting," arguing that it should not be about one party's offerings and that money already plays too large a role in politics.</p><p>Other residents echoed Lewis' doubts about the feasibility of Trump's proposed payments. Trump had previously suggested a separate $2,000 dividend funded by tariff revenue, which also did not materialize.</p><p>Davis expressed skepticism about the latest proposal, stating, "I don't think it's realistic to think he's going to do that."</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the $5,000 payments would require congressional approval and pledged to work toward Trump's proposal.</p><p>While Trump's proposal has received mixed reactions within the Republican Party, Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio indicated he would work to prepare a bill for passage before the election. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer rejected the notion that Trump was attempting to "bribe" voters, stating, "Let the policy guys draft it. Let them debate it. Let them move it through committee."</p>