CINCINNATI — You might have come across remarks from President Trump or Elon Musk regarding a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) dividend check or a DOGE stimulus check. But is there any validity to these claims?
This discussion brings back memories of the pandemic checks from four years ago. Most of us recall how beneficial stimulus checks were when the government issued three rounds of $1,400 checks during 2020 and 2021. They could provide significant assistance to consumers once again.
“If there’s surplus money, why not boost the economy a little and get more funds back into people’s hands, especially with how high prices are all around now,” said one shopper we talked to.
So, are we likely to see these checks again this year? Perhaps, but don’t start planning your kitchen renovation just yet. The idea originated when President Trump and Elon Musk speculated about reallocating 20% of the savings from DOGE in federal spending to taxpayers.
Some economists suggest that if this happens, it could mean up to $5,000 per family.
Of course, we would all love a little extra cash the next time we visit Target or Walmart, but some shoppers mentioned they remember stimulus checks being partly responsible for the inflation surge in recent years.
“Honestly, I’m not very keen on it because the last stimulus checks contributed to the rise in prices around us, so I have reservations,” expressed shopper India Pryor.
Pryor is concerned that these checks could lead to increased demand, resulting in further inflation.
However, be cautious—scammers are already taking advantage by circulating social media posts about new Trump stimulus checks. These are fraudulent communications aiming to steal your personal information, so refrain from responding to any texts or emails regarding a possible DOGE stimulus check. As of now, there are none. Not yet, anyway.
