Could $5,000 DOGE stimulus checks happen? Here’s what we know.
$5,000 stimulus checks from the Trump administration’s push to reduce federal spending has been proposed, but will it actually occur?
Spending decisions are back in focus for Congress as a potential government shutdown approaches.
As discussions shift towards a spending bill to fund the government, many Americans may be questioning the status of the proposed $5,000 DOGE check, which is expected to be financed through savings from the Department of Government Efficiency and sent to taxpayers as a form of dividend.
Recently, President Donald Trump expressed his support for distributing these checks.
“There’s even a — under consideration, a new concept where we give 20% of the DOGE savings to American citizens and 20% goes to paying down debt,” Trump mentioned during the FII Priority Summit in Miami.
Here’s an update on the proposal’s current status.
What is the ‘DOGE Dividend?”
The concept was introduced by James Fishback, a user on X, who stated that Trump and Elon Musk, who is informally recognized as the leader of DOGE, should distribute a ‘DOGE Dividend’ to all taxpayers. This dividend would essentially be a tax refund check funded by the savings reported by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk responded, “Will check with the President,” and Trump confirmed that the suggestion is being considered.
Will there be a DOGE check? How much would it be? When can I expect a DOGE check?
If Musk achieves his target of $2 trillion in spending cuts by next year, Fishback estimates that 20% of DOGE savings could result in $5,000 for each taxpaying household. However, it is uncertain whether DOGE will meet this objective.
Furthermore, Musk stated in an interview with political strategist Mark Penn back in January that DOGE might realistically only manage $1 trillion in cuts, according to USA TODAY, which would reduce the proposed dividend amount.
To date, DOGE claims to have achieved $105 billion in savings through measures like cutting federal jobs and eliminating contracts.
However, there is no assurance that such a plan will actually be implemented. Any stimulus payment from the U.S. government would require Congressional approval.
What is a dividend? What is a stimulus check?
A dividend is typically defined as a distribution of earnings by a corporation to its shareholders, paid out in either cash or stock.
On the other hand, a stimulus check refers to funds sent to taxpayers by the federal government, typically aimed at stimulating the economy by providing individuals with extra money to spend.
Will DOGE checks happen?
To realize this idea, a Congressional vote would be necessary, and it is currently facing some opposition.
Several lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have opposed stimulus checks. Johnson expressed skepticism regarding the enthusiasm for checks at last month’s 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference.
“Politically, that would be fantastic for us, you know, because everyone would receive a check,” Johnson remarked to the audience. “But when we consider our foundational principles, fiscal responsibility is central to what we uphold as conservatives. Our federal debt stands at $36 trillion. We are dealing with a significant deficit. I believe we need to focus on paying down our debt.”
He isn’t the only Republican opposing the idea, further suggesting that momentum for the proposal has waned.
What’s the public opinion on DOGE checks?
While Johnson might have his reservations, survey data indicates some public support for the concept.
J.L. Partners, a research firm based in Washington, D.C., conducted a “DOGE Dividend poll” that revealed most respondents approved of the DOGE check idea. The poll sampled 1,001 registered voters nationally from February 24-25.
The poll results indicated that 46% of participants strongly supported the one-time $5,000 checks, while 21% showed some support. Only 7% opposed them strongly.
Among Republican voters, 60% favored the checks, compared to 39% of Democrat and Independent voters, according to the polling data.
Contributors: Jonathan Limehouse, Mike Snider, Maria Francis, Fernando Cervantes Jr., Greta Cross, Joey Garrison, Jessica Guynn, Nick Penzenstadler, and James Powel, USA TODAY
