- President Donald Trump has expressed support for the notion of redistributing DOGE savings to taxpayers through a $5,000 check.
- The idea was proposed by James Fishback on X, suggesting that Trump and Elon Musk should issue a “DOGE Dividend” to all taxpayers.
- It’s uncertain if DOGE will reach the necessary savings target to provide the $5,000 checks.
President Donald Trump has voiced support for an idea that originated on social media, which involves returning DOGE savings to taxpayers in the form of a $5,000 check.
“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 stated at the FII Priority Summit in Miami on Wednesday.
Here’s what you need to know about a potential “DOGE Dividend.”
What is the ‘DOGE Dividend’?
The concept was introduced by James Fishback on X, suggesting a “DOGE Dividend” be sent to each taxpayer, funded by savings identified by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk responded, “Will check with the President,” and Trump later indicated that the idea was being considered.
Will there be a DOGE check? How much will it be?
If Musk achieves his objective of $2 trillion in budget cuts by next year, Fishback claims that 20% of DOGE savings could equate to $5,000 per taxpaying household.
Nevertheless, it remains uncertain if DOGE can reach this financial target. Although the department claims to have identified $55 billion in savings, a USA TODAY review found that actual savings amounted to approximately $16.5 billion.
Additionally, there is no assurance that this plan would come to fruition. Any government-issued stimulus payment would require Congressional approval.
What constitutes a dividend? A stimulus check?
In business terms, a dividend refers to the distribution of a portion of a company’s earnings to its shareholders in cash or stock.
Conversely, a stimulus check is financial assistance provided to taxpayers by the federal government, typically intended to stimulate economic activity by putting money in the hands of consumers.
Are we set to receive another stimulus check?
Some individuals received stimulus checks unrelated to DOGE in 2025.
The IRS announced a stimulus check in December for taxpayers who had not claimed a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. This credit was for individuals who missed previous stimulus payments.
Most payments, which were as high as $1,400, were distributed in December and January. However, taxpayers who did not file a return for 2021 may still qualify for the stimulus if they file their return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by April 15, per IRS guidelines.
