Fox News host Jesse Watters took to The Five to voice his strong opposition to the latest wave of federal workforce cuts under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been spearheading cost-saving initiatives within the Pentagon. Watters’ criticism came after learning that a close friend—a 20-year veteran of the U.S. military—was among those targeted for layoffs in what has now been coined as getting “DOGE’d.”
A Veteran on the Chopping Block
During Wednesday’s episode, Watters detailed how his friend, Chris, a decorated military veteran, was set to lose his Pentagon position after just a few months on the job.
“Chris was a guy I met at a shooting event in New Jersey,” Watters explained. “A 20-year veteran, one of those elite guys who’s taken down some of the worst bad guys. He put his life on the line for this country. And now, after serving honorably, he’s about to be DOGE’d.”
Chris, who had transitioned from active duty to a civilian role at the Pentagon, was reportedly blindsided by the cuts. According to Watters, his friend texted him expressing his shock and disappointment, writing, “Jesse, this is not good. I’m really sad. I’m upset.”
Watters Blasts DOGE’s Priorities
Watters didn’t hold back, arguing that the Biden administration’s layoffs were unfairly targeting veterans while retaining bureaucratic roles focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
“When you’re talking about DOGE-ing people, veterans should get priority. If you’re willing to put your life on the line for this country, you shouldn’t be in the same category as someone whose job is focused on DEI training,” Watters asserted.
He then turned his attention to his co-panelist Harold Ford Jr., mocking what he called the “slash and burn corporate ethos” being applied to critical military personnel while politically motivated roles remained intact.
“Harold and his ilk love to talk about cost-cutting,” Watters said. “But they need to be a bit less callous when talking about laying off patriots who’ve risked everything for this country.”
Ford Jr. quickly responded, accusing Watters of “arguing with himself”, but Watters doubled down.
“I finally found one person I knew who got DOGE’d, and it hit me in the heart,” he said.
A Push for ‘DOGE Dividends’
As the debate over layoffs continues, Musk’s DOGE initiative is also proposing an alternative use for the $55 billion it has reportedly saved in just under a month. Instead of paying down the national debt, some conservatives—including investment firm CEO James Fishback—are pushing for what’s being called a “DOGE Dividend”, which would distribute a $5,000 refund to every American taxpayer.
Fishback suggested on social media, “President Trump and Elon Musk should announce a ‘DOGE Dividend’—a tax refund check funded exclusively with a portion of the total savings delivered by DOGE.”
Musk responded with curiosity, stating he would “check with the President.”
More Layoffs to Come
The cost-cutting measures show no signs of slowing down. Reports indicate that the IRS will lay off 6,000 employees starting Thursday, with the majority being probationary workers who lack the protections afforded to seasoned federal employees.
While some conservatives champion the cuts as a necessary step toward reducing government bloat, critics argue that they could lead to longer wait times for Americans dealing with agencies like the IRS during tax season.
For now, as DOGE continues to streamline government spending, the debate rages on over whether these layoffs are a much-needed correction or a reckless dismissal of dedicated public servants.
