Talks of a new stimulus check or “DOGE dividend” have been making rounds on social media, with notable mentions from former President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The idea revolves around the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) using savings from budget cuts to provide financial relief to taxpayers.
For many Americans, the term “stimulus check” brings back memories of the pandemic-era payments that helped millions of households. In 2021 alone, the government issued three rounds of $1,400 checks, with some families receiving significantly more based on their income and number of dependents.
Shoppers like Kenji Cummings believe another round of payments could help ease financial burdens.
“If there’s extra money, why not?” Cummings said while loading groceries into his car. “It could help the economy, put more money into people’s pockets—especially now with everything being so expensive.”
Could a Stimulus Check Actually Happen?
While the idea is gaining traction, it remains speculative. Trump and Musk suggested allocating 20% of the savings generated by DOGE’s federal spending cuts directly to taxpayers. If the agency meets its $2 trillion savings goal, that could mean payments of up to $5,500 per family, with the remaining 80% going toward national debt reduction.
However, any such payments would require congressional approval, just like the COVID-19 stimulus checks passed in 2020 and 2021.
Despite the potential benefits, not everyone is on board. Shopper India Pryor worries about the economic consequences, particularly the risk of inflation.
“I’m not too fond of it because the last stimulus checks we got made everything else go up in price,” she said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed skepticism, stating he believes reducing national debt should be a priority over issuing direct payments to taxpayers.
Beware of Stimulus Scams
Regardless of whether the proposal moves forward, scammers are already taking advantage of the buzz. Fake social media ads and text messages promoting “Trump Stimulus Checks” have been circulating, attempting to steal personal information.
Officials warn against responding to unsolicited messages about the so-called DOGE stimulus. As of now, no official plan is in place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the DOGE dividend?
The DOGE dividend is a proposed stimulus payment funded by federal budget savings from the Department of Government Efficiency.
2. How much could taxpayers receive?
If approved, estimates suggest households could receive up to $5,500, depending on DOGE’s total savings.
3. When would payments be sent out?
There is no official timeline, as the proposal has not been approved by Congress.
4. Will this cause more inflation?
Some experts worry that additional direct payments could increase consumer demand, potentially driving up prices.
5. How can I avoid stimulus check scams?
Do not respond to unsolicited messages, emails, or ads claiming to offer stimulus payments. Official government announcements will be made through verified sources.
While the prospect of a DOGE stimulus remains uncertain, Americans should stay informed and cautious of scams. For now, it’s best to wait for official updates before making any financial plans .