Elon Musk Addresses Possibility of DOGE Checks During Rally

Elon Musk remains non-committal about the potential for $5,000 DOGE stimulus checks, saying the decision is up to Congress and President Donald Trump.

Quick Takes

Speculation about DOGE stimulus checks originated from Elon Musk and Trump.
The possibility of checks remains subject to Congressional and possible presidential approval, Musk said.
The proposed checks would target net-income taxpayers, not lower-income Americans.
Musk previously expressed that DOGE’s efficiency measures would aim to save up to $2 trillion in federal spending.

DOGE Stimulus Checks: A Possibility?

Speculation surrounding DOGE stimulus checks has been circulating after Elon Musk and President Donald Trump previously suggested the possibility. However, Musk, who leads the Department of Governmental Efficiency, said during a rally in Wisconsin in response to a question over the weekend that the decision on whether to provide stimulus checks ultimately lies with Congress and possibly Trump.

Musk went on to say, “As government spending is made more efficient and spending is reduced, the tax by inflation is reduced. So one way or another, you will effectively be better off if resources in the United States are not wasted.” He added that there is still work to be done despite the progress made so far.

While the checks are suggested to aid net-income taxpayers, lower-income Americans would be excluded. The concept of checks is linked to the projected savings from DOGE’s efforts, with Musk previously highlighting a goal of cutting $1 trillion to $2 trillion in spending. DOGE says it has saved $130 billion due to streamlining federal technology and reducing unnecessary federal spending. However, these figures are disputed by some, who argue that the savings are overestimated.

DOGE checks? Elon Musk claims "progress" has been made, but says it isn’t his decision https://t.co/sKrjaH8rAa

— The Hill (@thehill) April 1, 2025

Decisive Congressional Action Required

For DOGE stimulus checks to materialize, Congressional approval would be needed. Despite the program’s significant cost-cutting efforts, which have led to layoffs in key federal agencies, some lawmakers remain skeptical. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has criticized the idea of stimulus checks, stating, “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.”

The idea of a “DOGE Dividend” previously promoted by James Fishback, CEO of Azoria investment firm, proposes tax refunds funded by these savings. However, without a clear congressional mandate, the proposal remains in limbo, leaving Americans uncertain about receiving any potential “dividend” from DOGE’s savings.

Trump’s Role in Potential Stimulus

Trump has voiced the possibility of distributing 20% of DOGE’s savings back to the American people and another 20% towards reducing the national debt. However, no definitive plan has been announced, leaving the specifics of such a stimulus unclear.

As the nation watches, many questions remain unanswered. Whether these ideas will lead to tangible benefits for Americans hinges on political negotiations and budgetary priorities.