- Social media users are advocating for stimulus checks funded by budget cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
- DOGE has enacted substantial cuts to several federal agencies, leading to layoffs and furloughs.
- DOGE head Elon Musk addressed the request on X, indicating that he ‘will consult with the president.’
There is a growing call among Americans for stimulus checks derived from budget reductions at Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, a notion that has gained traction.
CEO of Azoria investment firm, James Fishback, urged on X for Musk to allocate stimulus checks based on purported savings. This sentiment was echoed by others on platforms like TikTok, where a video claimed taxpayers could receive up to $8,000, amassing over 5 million views since its release on Sunday.
Musk, who the Trump administration contended in court does not formally serve in DOGE, replied to Fishback’s tweet, stating, “Will check with the President.”
DOGE claims to have saved the government $55 billion, although evidence on their official website primarily points to canceled contracts at departments targeted by the Trump administration.
Here’s what you should know about stimulus payments and DOGE.
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Is there a DOGE stimulus check?
There is currently no indication that DOGE will be distributing a stimulus check due to cost-reduction efforts.
Were stimulus checks issued in 2025?
Yes, some individuals did receive checks.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued stimulus checks to taxpayers who did not claim Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax filings. This credit applied to those who missed prior stimulus payments.
The stimulus, announced in December under the Biden administration, was authorized after internal IRS data revealed numerous eligible taxpayers who filed a 2021 tax return did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
The payments were distributed in December and January, with those qualifying receiving up to $1,400, according to the IRS.
Can someone still claim the $1,400 stimulus check?
Taxpayers who did not submit a 2021 tax return may still qualify for the stimulus check if they file their return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by April 15, as per IRS guidelines.
What cuts has DOGE implemented?
The quasi-government agency has made severe cuts across various federal agencies, leading to numerous staff being terminated or placed on administrative leave.
Some agencies that have already experienced reductions include the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Department of Education, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
