Could $5,000 DOGE stimulus checks happen? Here’s what we know.
Discussions have surfaced regarding $5,000 stimulus checks stemming from the Trump administration’s initiatives to cut federal spending, but are they on the horizon?
Five years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic struck the U.S., leading the federal government to issue three rounds of stimulus checks.
Since President Donald Trump’s second term commenced, there has been considerable speculation around a new round of stimulus checks funded by savings derived from workforce reductions and other budgetary measures by the Department of Government Efficiency.
Nonetheless, no official proposal or approval for such stimulus checks has been made in Congress, meaning American taxpayers will have to remain patient to see if checks will be issued in 2025.
Here’s the latest update on DOGE stimulus payments, including potential payment timelines and eligibility criteria.
Latest update on DOGE dividends and refunds
Trump’s efforts to streamline budgets and save government funds through DOGE are proving contentious among lawmakers, with some raising concerns about Musk’s involvement and the programs at risk.
However, discussions on DOGE payments have dwindled, albeit with substantial backing from the public.
Earlier this month, the individual who proposed the stimulus check concept stated to NewsNation that he is “optimistic that a bill is forthcoming.”
James Fishback, CEO of Azoria investment firm, advocated on X for Musk to issue a stimulus check based on claimed savings. Musk replied affirmatively, indicating he would “check with the President.” Following that, Trump and other officials have supported the idea.
Fishback mentioned to NewsNation about his consultations with lawmakers from both the House and Senate regarding a bill aimed at approving the stimulus checks, claiming it will be introduced soon.
Stimulus check payment timeline for 2025
At this time, Congress has not formally approved stimulus checks from DOGE savings.
Unless Congress passes a bill authorizing the dividends, which Fishback claims is in progress, no payments will be dispatched, and a payment timeline is currently non-existent.
Musk has also suggested that saving the necessary funds to actualize stimulus checks may not be feasible. If the initiative does go ahead, it may take longer than anticipated.
Eligibility for stimulus check payments
The initial proposal for DOGE stimulus checks stated these would go to taxpayers.
Fishback’s four-page proposal characterized the DOGE dividend as a refund “given solely to tax-paying households.” He emphasized that the checks would not contribute to inflation as they would be “entirely funded by DOGE-derived savings, unlike COVID stimulus checks which were financed by deficit spending.”
According to Fishback’s proposal, dividends would be allocated to households within a certain income bracket.
In February, Fishback mentioned on Steve Ram’s podcast that being employed should be a condition for receiving the payments.
“Consider it — if you’re a working-age man currently out of work, and you know there’s a possibility of a DOGE dividend check with your name on it coming next summer, provided you get a job and return to the workforce, that’s a significant motivator,” he remarked.
