“We are not spending the Federal Government’s money, we are spending the taxpayer’s money, and it must be spent in a way which guarantees his money’s worth and yields the fullest possible benefit to the people being helped.”
- January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994
- American
- The 37th President of the United States, Lawyer, Politician
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Quote
“We are not spending the Federal Government’s money, we are spending the taxpayer’s money, and it must be spent in a way which guarantees his money’s worth and yields the fullest possible benefit to the people being helped.”
Explanation
In this quote, Richard Nixon emphasizes fiscal responsibility and accountability in government spending. By stating that the money comes not from the abstract “Federal Government” but from “the taxpayer,” he reframes public funds as personal contributions from citizens, not as limitless resources. The obligation, then, is to spend wisely, efficiently, and with visible outcomes. The phrase “guarantees his money’s worth” highlights the principle that government should function with the same care and return-on-investment mindset expected in the private sector.
Historically, this quote reflects Nixon’s broader efforts to curb federal spending, reduce inefficiency, and decentralize power through policies like New Federalism, which aimed to shift control from Washington to states and local governments. It also speaks to a time when concerns about federal overreach, inflation, and budget deficits were becoming more prominent in American political discourse. Nixon positioned himself as a steward of public trust, arguing that government aid must be both targeted and effective.
Today, the quote continues to resonate in discussions about budget priorities, taxation, and social programs. It reflects a view still common in modern politics: that government spending must demonstrate clear value, and that leaders have a duty to treat public funds with the same seriousness and care as private ones. Nixon’s statement serves as a reminder that good intentions are not enough—results and accountability must follow, especially when public trust and resources are at stake.
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