President Donald Trump has recently shown appreciation for Elon Musk's leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), but he also suggested that Musk should take a more assertive approach.

Trump has publicly supported Musk's work with DOGE, which has generated significant savings for the government despite criticisms, and there is a discussion about using these savings for possible tax refunds to Americans, as Fox Business reports, with the president looking for even more achievements to come from the initiative.

The president posted on Truth Social, lauding Musk's efforts at DOGE as a "great job." He further encouraged Musk to increase his efforts by stating the importance of saving and improving the country.

This public expression of confidence came amidst various reactions to DOGE's operations, which have been ongoing since its inception on Jan. 20.

Significant Savings Reported by DOGE

Since its establishment, DOGE has been a talking point due to its controversial nature and large-scale efficiency initiatives.

As of Feb. 17, its website disclosed that government savings had reached an estimated $55 billion through diverse efficiency measures. According to reports, these measures involved canceling numerous government contracts, which alone saved millions of dollars.

The department's scrutiny extended to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) projects funded by organizations such as the USAID.

Notable among these was a $1.5 million DEI project in Serbia, a $70,000 DEI musical in Ireland, and a $47,000 transgender opera in Colombia.

Skeptics of DOGE's aggressive cuts expressed concern, specifically about its access to federal systems. Notably, Rep. Val Hoyle from Oregon labeled the situation as frustrating, magnifying the difficulty of doing necessary work when Musk and his team, considered by some as unelected, seem intent on dismantling government operations.

Consideration of Tax Rebates

With sizable savings as a result of DOGE's initiatives, ongoing debates raise the possibility of using these funds to provide tax rebates to the American populace.

James Fishback, CEO of Azoria, is particularly vocal about this suggestion. Fishback proposed that the savings could eventually be returned to American citizens through tax refund checks. He emphasized that it was taxpayer money from the start, advocating that once DOGE concludes its operations in July 2026, distributions of refunds could begin.

The DOGE chief's receptiveness to these ideas has been notable, as he mentioned during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

Musk relayed that President Trump supports the idea of issuing tax dividends. However, as of Feb. 22, no formal steps have been taken toward this potential course of action.

Reactions from Key Figures Emerge

In response to Trump's encouragement, Musk conveyed his willingness to implement the suggestions promptly. On X, Musk directly replied to the President, indicating his compliance by simply stating, "Will do, Mr. President!"

However, not everyone is on board with DOGE’s aggressive cuts and possible tax refunds. Rep. Val Hoyle criticized Musk, accusing him of using his role to benefit himself at the expense of American citizens.

Concerns from such opposition highlight a divide in opinions regarding whether DOGE’s approach is beneficial in the long run.

The effects of DOGE's policies and the proposed use of its savings will continue under scrutiny as discussions develop. The dialogues surrounding these proposals reveal a complex landscape that balances cost savings with concerns of governance integrity.

As these conversations unfold, the direction of DOGE's future, and potentially the fiscal benefits for Americans, remains under careful watch.