Voters in the battleground state of Michigan are voicing skepticism regarding former President Donald Trump's recent promise of a $5,000 dividend, with some citing unfulfilled past pledges as a reason for their doubt. The proposal, unveiled at the Midterm GOP Convention, suggests distributing savings from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to taxpayers if Republicans maintain control of Congress.

"I feel like that's a pitch to get more votes," Yolanda Lewis told Fox News Digital, referencing a previous proposal involving DOGE dividends that she said never materialized. "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."

Trump had previously suggested in February 2025 that a portion of DOGE savings could be returned to taxpayers, with a proposal entertained by Elon Musk for payments as high as $5,000. Trump later supported returning 20% of DOGE savings. While DOGE reported significant savings, a Government Accountability Office review found some estimates to be inaccurate.

At a recent Detroit Health Department block party, several residents interviewed by Fox News Digital expressed distrust in the new $5,000 "Trump dividend" plan. Some described it as a "bribe" and questioned its viability.

"I think it's kind of irresponsible because what is the long-term impact of this money?" asked Jahdante Smith, a Green Party candidate for the state House of Representatives. Smith questioned the funding source for such a payout, pointing to the nation's national debt. "So where does that money come from? Where do you divert those funds from? Also, I think that it is sort of a bribe."

Michigan, a state Trump won by a narrow margin in 2020, is a key focus in the current election cycle. Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed called Trump's proposal "unserious," stating, "There's no world in which you can pay for it." His campaign emphasized addressing issues like Social Security and healthcare guarantees.

Rising costs are a significant concern for Detroit residents. William Davis, a retiree, noted, "The prices since Trump's been back in office have gone up on everything, especially gas, diesel, you know, affordabilities went out the window." Current gas prices in Detroit stand at $4.11 per gallon, up from $2.81-$2.92 in January before recent geopolitical events.

Martesha Adams, a nurse and mother in Detroit, viewed the $5,000 proposal as a tactic. "The whole time I feel that he's been in the office, it's been a kind of game," Adams said. "America has been laughed at from everywhere. And the $5K for bribery, that's nothing. So I hope that people do not go for that bribe and they really look into the politics."

Shelby Campbell, a recent graduate, described the proposal as "disgusting," citing her own financial struggles, including selling her car due to high auto insurance costs and difficulty finding affordable rent. "He shouldn't be able to offer people money if we have one party in office," Campbell stated. "It's supposed to be about everybody and what we all want and need, so it's just bribery in my opinion."

Skepticism about the actual delivery of promised funds was also a recurring theme. William Davis commented, "I don't think it's realistic to think he's going to do that." Trump had also proposed a $2,000 dividend last year funded by tariffs, which did not materialize.

House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged on "Meet the Press" that any such payments would require congressional approval but pledged to work toward Trump's proposal. Republican leaders like Tom Emmer have defended the idea, framing it as a way for Americans to "share in the success of America," rather than a bribe.

Meanwhile, Senator Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, stated on X that he would work to prepare and pass a bill for the proposal before the election.