Trump and Musk Propose ‘DOGE Dividends’—But Not Everyone Would Benefit
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are pushing a new idea: sending American taxpayers dividend checks using savings from government cuts. This concept, inspired by pandemic-era stimulus programs, was first suggested by James Fishback, a 30-year-old investment firm CEO, in a tweet that caught Musk’s attention. Musk later shared the idea with Trump, and it has since gained traction.
The plan proposes that 20% of the savings from the Department of Government Efficiency, known as "DOGE," would go directly to American citizens, while another 20% would be used to pay down national debt. However, this idea has sparked criticism, as it excludes many low-income Americans. Unlike pandemic stimulus checks, which were distributed based on income thresholds, this plan would only benefit households that pay more in taxes than they receive in government benefits. According to the Pew Research Center, most Americans with an adjusted gross income under $40,000 pay little to no federal income tax, meaning they would not qualify for these checks.
Supporters argue that this setup would prevent inflationary pressures, as only those who contribute more to the system would receive payments. However, even among Republicans, there’s no consensus on the proposal, and the total amount of savings from DOGE remains unclear.
Conservatives Win German Election, but Far-Right Party Makes Historic Gains
Germany’s recent election has left the country reeling, as the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) won the most votes, but the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged to second place. The AfD, which is under surveillance by German intelligence for suspected extremism, achieved its highest-ever share of the vote, partly due to support from figures like Elon Musk.
This outcome has sparked alarm in a nation deeply sensitive to its Nazi past. CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who will lead coalition talks to form the next government, sharply criticized the Trump administration’s alleged interference in the election, comparing it to Moscow’s interventions. Merz emphasized that working with the AfD is “completely out of the question,” reflecting the widespread unease about the far-right party’s rise.
Germany’s voting system makes it difficult for any single party to govern alone, forcing leaders to form coalitions. Merz hopes to establish a new government by Easter, but the success of the AfD has raised concerns about the country’s political direction.
France Confronts Its Largest Child Abuse Trial in History
France is bracing for its largest-ever child sex abuse trial, as 299 alleged victims prepare to testify against former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec, 74. Among them is Amélie Lévêque, who only understood her decades-long struggles with depression and psychological disorders when she learned in 2019 that her former surgeon was under investigation for sexual assault.
Le Scouarnec, who worked in nine hospitals and clinics across France, allegedly abused patients over three decades, leaving many with unexplained symptoms. Police identified victims through his writings, which triggered emotional and physical reactions when shared. The case has raised questions about how such abuse went undetected for so long, despite numerous red flags.
This trial is a landmark moment for France, as it confronts systemic failures that allowed a respected medical professional to harm so many. The case underscores the need for greater accountability in institutions and stronger protections for vulnerable individuals.
More Politics and International News
In other political developments, President Trump named conservative podcaster Dan Bongino as deputy director of the FBI, a move that has sparked controversy. Meanwhile, Vivek Ramaswamy is set to officially enter the Ohio governor’s race, further diversifying the Republican field.
A little-known federal board could also play a crucial role in addressing appeals from thousands of laid-off government workers, as the White House’s cost-cutting measures continue to unfold. These stories highlight the ongoing tensions between fiscal conservatism and social welfare in American politics.
Global Updates: Health, Weather, and Innovation
Pope Francis remains hospitalized with double pneumonia and mild renal insufficiency, according to the Vatican, as the Catholic Church and its followers pray for his recovery. In the U.S., Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that the death toll from recent flooding and freezing temperatures has risen to 21, intensifying calls for better disaster preparedness.
In the world of sports, Olympic medalist Frederick Richard is aiming to modernize men’s gymnastics uniforms, blending tradition with innovation. Meanwhile, AI is becoming an indispensable tool in daily life, from scheduling meetings to ordering groceries, revolutionizing the concept of personal assistance.
Miscellaneous News and Insights
A feud between a small Ohio city’s police force and its local Catholic hospital has sparked national interest. The dispute began with the arrest of a man suspected of buying drugs, which led to a clash between law enforcement’s pursuit of criminals and medical professionals’ duty to heal. The case has raised questions about privacy and the limits of police authority, with the arrested man’s legal team filing a federal lawsuit over invasive procedures during his detention.
For shopping enthusiasts, NBC Select highlights the popularity of carbon plate shoes, which claim to improve running efficiency, and a major sale by travel brand Béis, offering discounts of up to 40% on luggage and accessories.
As the day unfolds, these stories remind us of the complex interplay between politics, economics, justice, and innovation that shapes our world. From government experiments with taxpayer dividends to historic trials and global challenges, there’s no shortage of critical issues demanding our attention.
