James Fishback, CEO of Azoria, proposed “DOGE Dividends” to return 20% of DOGE savings to taxpayers. DOGE aims to save $2 billion over the next 18 months by optimizing government operations and reducing expenses.
Fishback proposed the idea on X, and Musk replied, “I’ll check with the President.” Trump expressed his support in a speech in Miami on February 19, 2025, referring to COVID-19 pandemic stimulus checks that he personally signed for political visibility.
Fishback argued that the initiative restores government trust by returning funds that are perceived to have been misused. In January 2025, Musk tempered expectations, stating that $2 trillion is a “best case scenario,” with the possibility of cutting $1 trillion.
Trump considers $5,000 DOGE stimulus checks
As of March 18, 2025, no official action had been taken to implement the checks. Trump described the proposal as “under consideration,” implying $5,000 checks per taxpayer household if DOGE meets targets. However, recent CBO data show a $1.1 trillion shortfall in the first five months of Fiscal Year 2025, raising questions about the necessary savings.
Experts such as Ernie Tedeschi of the Yale Budget Lab argue that the size of the checks is “disproportionate to the cuts,” with current savings of $115 billion, or $142 per taxpayer if distributed today. Congressional approval is required, but House Speaker Mike Johnson prefers to use savings to reduce debt, citing fiscal responsibility.
In March 2025, Fishback expressed optimism, stating that a bill is “on the way,” but no legislative text has been introduced as of this writing.
The proposed checks would target taxpaying households, specifically net federal tax payers, while excluding many low-income households that pay little or nothing, according to Pew Research Center data.
This contrasts with the COVID-19 stimulus checks, which favored low-income households. Fishback’s plan anticipates 79 million qualifying households receiving $5,000 each, based on $400 billion in savings.
This is how stimulus checks can improve your household’s and America’s economy
The stimulus checks implemented in the United States during and after the COVID-19 pandemic provided numerous economic and social benefits. During the pandemic, for example, they helped millions of people cover basic expenses like food, rent, utilities, and debt. This was critical for low-income families, who frequently lacked emergency funds.
According to studies conducted by the Urban Institute and the Census Bureau, despite the recession, poverty in the United States decreased in 2020.
This was attributed in part to stimulus and complementary programs, such as expanded unemployment benefits, which began during the first Trump administration and lasted through Joe Biden’s term.
The money injected into the economy kept demand for goods and services stable, preventing a further collapse. Retail trade and essential services have benefited directly. They alleviated financial stress in households, preventing mental health crises and social conflicts. This was especially important in the context of uncertainty and isolation.
Many local businesses were able to survive by maintaining consumer purchasing power through online sales or essential services, which in turn kept the economy of these micro and small entrepreneurs alive.
The US recovered faster than previous recessions. GDP increased by 5.7% in 2021, owing to increased spending in sectors such as tourism, restaurants, and leisure as the economy resumed operations.
Also See:- IRS Alerts: Millions in Tax Refunds Are Still Unclaimed, and Time Is Running Out
