Many Americans are wondering if they will receive a $5,000 stimulus check from the government. The idea of “DOGE dividend” checks was proposed as a way to return savings from government spending cuts to taxpayers. While it gained some support, the future of these payments remains uncertain. Here’s a look at how the idea started, what lawmakers think, and where things stand now.
How Did the Idea of DOGE Stimulus Checks Start?
The concept of DOGE stimulus checks originated in February 2025 when James Fishback, CEO of Azoria investment firm, proposed the “DOGE dividend.” According to Fishback, the checks would be tax refunds funded by a portion of the savings generated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Fishback estimated that with $2 trillion in DOGE savings, each of the 78 million tax-paying households could receive a $5,000 check. The remaining funds would go toward reducing the national debt. Billionaire Elon Musk, who has been involved in the initiative, mentioned that he would discuss the idea with President Donald Trump.
What Has President Trump Said About the Checks?
President Trump mentioned the possibility of giving 20% of DOGE savings back to citizens and using another 20% to pay down the national debt. He shared this plan in February 2025 at the Saudi-sponsored FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami Beach. However, Congress has the final say on whether these payments will actually be distributed.
Lawmakers’ Views on DOGE Stimulus Checks
The proposal has received mixed reactions from lawmakers. Some Republican leaders have raised concerns about increasing the national debt and inflation. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson stated that while giving money back to taxpayers is politically popular, fiscal responsibility should be the priority.
Other lawmakers, such as Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) and Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), also expressed concerns. Maloy worries that stimulus checks could contribute to inflation, while Moore suggested that the decision should depend on the amount of savings achieved.
Public Opinion on DOGE Stimulus Checks
A national poll by J.L. Partners surveyed 1,001 registered voters about their support for the stimulus checks. The results showed that 46% of respondents strongly supported the idea, while 21% somewhat supported it. Only 7% strongly opposed the checks.
Among political groups, 60% of Republican voters favored the checks, compared to 39% of Democrats and Independents. The highest support came from Republicans aged 18 to 49 and employed Americans.
Where Do Things Stand Now?
Despite the public support, the fate of DOGE stimulus checks remains uncertain. House Republicans’ concerns about national debt and inflation have slowed momentum for the proposal. While President Trump and Musk have shown interest, it is unclear whether Congress will approve the checks.
Historically, stimulus payments were issued during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 under President Trump. However, those payments were passed as part of a bipartisan effort to help struggling Americans during an economic crisis. The current economic climate is different, making the approval of another stimulus check more challenging.
The idea of DOGE stimulus checks has sparked interest among Americans and gained some political attention. However, concerns about inflation and national debt may prevent the checks from becoming a reality. As discussions continue, taxpayers should stay informed about any updates regarding this potential financial relief.
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