Could American taxpayers soon receive a surprise stimulus check worth $5,000? That’s the big question as talk of a potential “DOGE dividend” is gaining traction in Washington.
The idea is tied to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a program launched by President Donald Trump and overseen by tech billionaire Elon Musk. The goal? Cut government waste and pass some of the savings back to taxpayers.
How Did This Idea Start?
The buzz around the DOGE dividend started when James Fishback, CEO of investment firm Azoria, posted the idea on social media. He suggested that if the government saves $2 trillion through DOGE, 20% of that—roughly $5,000 per taxpayer—should be sent as a one-time payout.
Elon Musk quickly responded, saying he would bring the idea to President Trump. Soon after, Trump publicly expressed interest, telling an audience at a business summit, “We’re considering giving 20% of the DOGE savings to American citizens and 20% to paying down the debt.”
Will It Actually Happen?
Before any checks can go out, the plan needs approval from Congress. Lawmakers are split on the idea:
- Supporters: Many Americans love the idea of getting a direct payout, and even some politicians are open to it. They argue that giving taxpayers a portion of the savings will encourage people to report government waste.
- Skeptics: Some lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, are hesitant. They believe any savings should be used to lower the national debt, which currently stands at $36 trillion.
- Alternative Proposals: Senator Josh Hawley has suggested using the savings to expand the child tax credit instead of sending lump-sum checks.
Has DOGE Saved Enough Money?
As of now, DOGE claims to have saved around $65 billion through various cost-cutting measures, including eliminating fraudulent spending, renegotiating contracts, and selling off government assets. However, these numbers have not been independently verified, and some experts question how much of it is actual savings.
Do Americans Support the Plan?
So far, the public seems to love the idea. A recent poll found that 7 out of 10 Americans support the DOGE dividend. Many believe it would motivate people to help identify government waste, making the program more effective.
What’s Next?
While the possibility of a $5,000 payout has sparked excitement, it’s far from a done deal. The proposal still needs to be debated and approved by Congress, and that could take months—if it happens at all.
For now, taxpayers should stay tuned as the discussions continue. Whether or not the government will send out DOGE dividend checks remains to be seen, but the conversation is far from over.
