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House Speaker Mike Johnson has refrained from supporting a proposal to issue stimulus checks to Americans, suggesting that it would utilize savings generated by the Department of Government Efficiency. Meanwhile, both President Trump and Elon Musk are exploring a potential idea known as a DOGE dividend, which could lead to people receiving checks in the mail.
Speaker Mike Johnson stated: “Politically, that could be beneficial for us, you know, it provides everyone with a check.” He continued, “But if we consider our fundamental principles, fiscal responsibility is our commitment as
conservatives. It defines who we are. With a $36 trillion federal debt and a significant deficit, we have to focus on reducing our financial obligations, correct?”
Johnson made these comments during the Conservative Political Action Conference while discussing the logistics of distributing the checks. Any such move would require Congressional approval, as they control the budget, should President Trump find the idea viable.
On Wednesday, President Trump elaborated on their considerations regarding the allocation of DOGE savings.
Trump remarked: “We’re even contemplating a new proposal where 20% of the DOGE savings would be distributed to American citizens, and another 20% would go towards reducing debt, as the figures are remarkable, Elon. We’re talking about billions, hundreds of billions.”
However, it remains uncertain whether the Department of Government Efficiency is genuinely enhancing the nation’s financial standing to the extent they claim. DOGE asserts that it has saved American taxpayers $55 billion through contract cancellations, renegotiations, workforce reductions, asset sales, and various other initiatives.
Analyses indicate they may be reporting the total amounts of certain contracts that have been partially settled.
In one instance, DOGE claimed it saved $8 billion through a contract cancellation. Further investigation revealed it was actually an $8 million contract, and the company in question had already received $3.8 million.
DOGE is now providing additional detailed information that clarifies the discrepancies between the overall contract value and the actual savings realized from cancellations. In numerous cases, the total has already been disbursed, resulting in $0 savings.
