MILLIONS of Americans are curious about the potential for DOGE $5,000 stimulus checks to actually be distributed.
This proposal emerged after Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), indicated he might consider allocating 20% of the agency’s savings into $5,000 checks for citizens.
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This suggestion is currently being deliberated by the Trump administration and was initially put forth by investment firm CEO James Fishback in February.
Recently, Trump commented at a summit in Miami Beach: “We’re considering allocating 20% of the DOGE savings to American citizens and another 20% for debt repayment.”
The proposed savings would come as Musk works to reduce trillions of dollars in federal expenditures, which includes eliminating government agencies, cutting jobs, and slashing funding for various programs.
Musk has made a commitment to save U.S. taxpayers $2 trillion through DOGE initiatives.
So, is this a possibility?
For the checks to be issued, Congress would need to support the proposal.
This could prove challenging, as several lawmakers have voiced concerns about the inflationary effects of distributing $5,000 checks to American workers.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson expressed hesitations about the proposal, stating he prefers to prioritize paying off the national debt at a conservative conference last month.
He also mentioned that distributing cash directly may conflict with Republican principles.
“Politically, that would be great for us, you know, because everybody gets a check,” Johnson told the audience. “But when you reflect on our fundamental values, fiscal responsibility is essential as conservatives.”
“That’s our brand, and we are contending with a $36 trillion federal debt and a significant deficit. I think we need to pay down the credit card, right?”
Additionally, DOGE must first achieve its promised $2 trillion savings target, which experts indicate may take considerable time to accomplish.
‘BEST-CASE OUTCOME’
During an interview streamed on X, Musk shared with political strategist Mark Penn that reaching the $2 trillion goal is the “best-case outcome.”
He expressed optimism about potentially cutting nearly $1 trillion.
US Treasury data indicates that the federal government incurred expenses of $6.75 trillion in 2024.
“I think we’ll aim for $2 trillion, which I see as the best-case outcome,” Musk stated.
“However, I believe we should have a contingency. If we pursue $2 trillion, we have a solid chance of hitting the $1 trillion mark.”
‘BACK TO HARD-WORKING AMERICANS’
This idea originated from Fishback, who stated that the refund checks would be distributed after the expiration of DOGE in July 2026.
“American taxpayers deserve a ‘DOGE Dividend’: 20% of the savings must be returned to hardworking Americans as a tax refund. After all, it was their money to begin with,” Fishback elaborated in a separate post on X.
“With a $2 trillion savings from DOGE and 78 million taxpayer households, this translates to a $5,000 refund per household, with the remaining funds allocated to national debt repayment.”
Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Complicated Relationship
The relationship between former President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk started off rocky but has since improved, with Musk endorsing Trump and interviewing him on X Spaces on August 12.
Back in 2022, Musk and Trump had a public disagreement on X, then known as Twitter.
Trump called Musk a liar and a “bulls**t artist” during a rally in Alaska.
“Elon is not going to buy Twitter,” Trump remarked at that time.
“He recently said, ‘I’ve never voted for a Republican.’ I was shocked because you told me you voted for me. So, he’s just another bulls**t artist, but he won’t be buying it.”
Musk responded to Trump’s criticisms by saying, “I don’t hate the man, but it’s time for Trump to hang up his hat and sail into the sunset.”
Months later, Musk went on to purchase X.
The X owner stated that he primarily voted for Democrats since gaining U.S. citizenship in 2002.
Initially, Musk supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the Republican Party’s presidential choice.
“My preference for the 2024 presidency is for someone sensible and centrist,” Musk posted on X in 2022.
“I had anticipated this from the Biden administration, but have been disappointed thus far.”
His changing political affiliations may be linked to his declining relationship with President Joe Biden, who overlooked Musk’s presence at the 2021 White House electric vehicle summit.
Despite their previous conflicts, Trump and Musk’s relationship took a positive turn in March after a meeting at Mar-a-Lago.
Trump, previously opposed to electric vehicles, has also modified his views.
“I’m for electric cars,” he asserted at a recent rally. “I have to be because Elon has endorsed me so strongly. I have no other option.”
Following the assassination attempt at Trump’s rally in July, Musk publicly supported the former president.
“I fully endorse President Trump and wish for his swift recovery,” Musk expressed on X after the incident.
In a recent press briefing, Trump praised Musk.
“I have a great deal of respect for Elon. He respects me too,” he stated.
“Elon, more than most people I know, has a strong love for this country and believes in its ideals, but like me, he understands this country is in serious trouble and faces immense danger.”
Musk has been seen at numerous events with Trump, including Mar-a-Lago and UFC events. Trump appointed Musk to head the Department of Government Efficiency, a task force focused on minimizing bureaucracy.
