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GUEST COMMENTARY - Imagine waking up one morning to find a check from the government in your mailbox. It’s signed by Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a no-strings-attached payment, just free money, delivered to your door. It seems like a gift, a bonus for the American people.
But what if this “gift” was actually a sleight of hand—a political stunt that puts us all at risk? The truth is, that check is paid for by slashing vital services that support veterans, fund disaster relief, and safeguard global health efforts. The so-called “savings” that make this payout possible come not only from cutting wasteful spending—but from undermining programs that protect us all, at home and abroad.
The DOGE dividend is pitched as an innovative move—money for the people, paid out through savings from Elon Musk’s efficiency initiatives. But the reality is far darker: these savings are being siphoned from the programs that keep America safe. For Los Angeles, this means more than just a flashy check—it means cuts to disaster preparedness, the loss of essential health resources, and a betrayal of the vulnerable communities that rely on federal aid.
For L.A., in particular, the potential fallout is massive. FEMA, the agency responsible for disaster relief in the wake of wildfires, earthquakes, and other emergencies, is already facing significant cuts under the DOGE plan. Imagine what that means for the next wildfire season—fewer resources for firefighters, less federal aid for families displaced by fire, and longer recovery times for communities already on the edge.
This isn’t just about L.A.; it’s about every vulnerable corner of the United States and the globe. USAID programs, which have been essential in battling global health crises like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, are also at risk. These programs are not just acts of charity—they are strategic investments in global stability. Without them, we risk the unchecked spread of diseases that could come knocking at our door, just like COVID-19 did.
The global economic stability that USAID fosters also has a direct impact on programs that encourage sustainable agriculture in developing nations, reducing the need for U.S. food aid, and helping combat global poverty. If these programs are slashed, we could see a rise in instability abroad, leading to more refugee crises, more threats of terrorism, and ultimately, more pressure on local resources
Veterans’ health care is also at risk. Trump’s DOGE initiative proposes deep cuts to programs that care for those who served our country—leaving them without the services they rely on. From veterans' hospitals to mental health programs, these are the people who fought for our freedom, and now they could be left to fend for themselves.
But there’s another problem: power. By allowing Elon Musk’s private efficiency program to influence national fiscal policy, DOGE further centralizes control into the hands of the executive branch, bypassing the checks and balances laid out by the Constitution. It’s an alarming shift that could set a dangerous precedent for the future of our democracy.
Not to mention, the savings claimed by DOGE are highly questionable. The $55 billion in supposed savings is based on numbers that independent audits have shown to be inflated. One example: an $8 billion “savings” from a canceled Department of Homeland Security contract that was actually worth just $8 million. If these figures are falsified, we’re being asked to make painful cuts based on numbers that don’t even hold up.
The very basis of the DOGE plan—how savings are calculated and allocated—is deeply flawed. It’s an attempt to distract the American public with a one-time check while secretly slashing essential programs that protect us. Accepting these funds means supporting a government that prioritizes quick political wins over long-term solutions that benefit all of us.
Instead of playing games with our futures, we should be investing in policies that address systemic issues—funding healthcare, education, job creation, and disaster relief. We need a government that works for the common good. If I were to receive a DOGE dividend check, I’d donate every penny to local nonprofits. These organizations are already underfunded and are the lifeline for many agencies. They are the ones who provide the resources and support when our communities need it most. By redirecting funds to these grassroots efforts, we can help mitigate the damage caused by the reckless policies that threaten our future.
Put simply: the DOGE dividend check is not a gift—it’s a dangerous distraction. It’s a short-sighted policy that sacrifices our long-term security for immediate political gain. As George Bernard Shaw once said, “The government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on Paul’s support.” But what happens when Paul becomes Peter overnight?
(George Cassidy Payne is a writer and educator. He has served in the non-profit sector for 25 years. He lives in Irondequoit, NY.)
