Are US taxpayers getting a ‘DOGE dividend’ check? Here’s what we know about the idea floated by Trump and Musk
From Yahoo Finance: 2025-05-21 06:37:00
Investment firm Azoria’s founder, James Fishback, proposed a “DOGE dividend” idea in February, catching Elon Musk’s attention. Fishback suggested sending 20% of DOGE savings back to Americans as a tax refund check, totaling $5,000 per household with remaining funds used to pay down national debt.
However, DOGE’s savings goal has been revised from $2 trillion to $150 billion. Fishback’s proposal, based on $2 trillion in cuts, would have resulted in a $5,000 per household dividend, but only for households above a certain income threshold.
Lower-income Americans may not qualify for Fishback’s proposed DOGE dividend, as those with adjusted gross incomes under $40,000 owe little or no federal income tax. This differs from stimulus checks sent during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were distributed indiscriminately according to NBC News and Pew Research Center.
As of May 12, the DOGE website indicates $170 billion saved, falling short of the $2 trillion goal. News reports suggest DOGE overstated savings and published errors. DOGE could cost taxpayers $135 billion this fiscal year, including re-hiring costs and lost productivity.
A formal proposal for the DOGE dividend has not been made in Congress, and with revised savings of $150 billion, a potential one-time dividend may only amount to around $380. Tariffs are expected to cost American households $1,200 in 2025, affecting low-income households ineligible for the proposed DOGE dividend.