The individual who created the proposal for sending a stimulus check to American families using savings from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) informed Newsweek that if the proposal is approved, he anticipates it will encourage Americans to report any observed waste or fraud within the government.
Significance of the Proposal
DOGE is a recently established department under President Donald Trump aimed at cutting federal expenses. With billionaire Elon Musk at the helm, the department has suggested significant layoff measures within the federal government to save $2 trillion annually across major U.S. agencies.
James Fishback, CEO of Azoria Investment, has recommended that Americans should receive a stimulus payment derived from some of these savings, and he has created a Google Document accessible through the website mydogedividend.com, outlining the advantages and frequently asked questions related to the proposal.
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Key Points
Fishback suggests that DOGE should issue tax refund checks to American households, funded solely from a portion of the total savings generated by DOGE. The department claims to achieve approximately $1 billion in savings daily.
He believes that 20 percent of DOGE’s total savings, which could reach approximately $400 billion by its closure, should be distributed to 79 million households that file federal income tax. This would result in roughly $5,000 per household.
If the proposal is realized, Americans likely won’t see any checks until after DOGE concludes in July 2026.
Both Trump and Musk have expressed interest in the proposal, although some Congressional members are more cautious.
Republican Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted the need for fiscal responsibility over political advantage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday, referencing the nation’s $36 trillion debt as a significant concern.
“We have a $36 trillion federal debt. We have a giant deficit that we’re contending with. I think we need to pay down the credit card. Right? That’s what I think we need to do,” Johnson stated.
However, Fishback posits that implementing a DOGE Dividend would lead to further savings for the government. He believes returning tax dollars to the public will motivate individuals to report government waste.
Fishback envisions that if his proposal is accepted and DOGE realizes greater savings than projected, the dividend check for American households could surpass $5,000.
Public Reactions
Fishback remarked to Newsweek: “We are empowering everyday Americans to report waste, fraud, and abuse from the ground. The more DOGE saves, the larger the DOGE Dividend check becomes, creating a compelling incentive for people to report government waste.”
Team of Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis pointed Newsweek to a statement from the senator to Scripps News: “I prioritize eliminating the debt and deficit, as well as controlling inflation. These will be my main focuses for savings associated with DOGE.
“If there are funds remaining after addressing inflation, the debt, and the deficit, returning money to taxpayers is always a good idea. But with a $36 trillion debt, we must tackle that issue first.”
Kimberly Clausing, an economist and UCLA School of Law professor, previously stated to Newsweek: “Currently, this dividend is unrealistic, as there is limited evidence of tangible budget savings. The proposed government layoffs will disrupt essential services like forest management, public safety, and tax filing, and will not significantly impact the budget deficit since personnel costs are a minor portion of the U.S. federal budget.”
Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, shared on X: “I mentioned that the DOGE checks were doomed from the start and MAGA supporters went wild… I also observed that $5,000 isn’t sufficient. Many would prefer stable employment over a one-time payment, especially in potential recession times where job loss is imminent. Additionally, what’s $5,000 when there are no social security benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, housing benefits, and much more?”
Future Developments
Fishback’s proposal is still in the preliminary stage and will require congressional approval before any checks can be issued.
He told Newsweek that he is currently in Washington, D.C., discussing his proposal with federal officials. He described the situation as “fluid,” indicating that more updates will arise as discussions proceed.
Fishback expressed his desire to receive feedback from legislators on both sides of the aisle.
“This is a policy backed by a Republican president, yet the checks would benefit constituents from the Democratic side. We aim to obtain valuable feedback and incorporate it effectively,” he stated.
