The federal administration and public figures have proposed stimulus checks initiatives that generate discussions about their viability and impact. Among them, the “DOGE Dividend” stands out for its proposal to distribute checks to taxpayers, although it faces legislative and technical obstacles.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk have expressed interest in a mechanism to return part of the savings generated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to taxpayers. In February 2025, Trump mentioned distributing 20% of those savings, which could translate into checks of up to $5,000 per household.
The stimulus payments in question depend on something
However, the figure depends on achieving $2 billion in savings, a goal considered “optimistic” by Musk. Analysts point out that, even reaching $1 billion, the amounts would be reduced to $2,500. Additionally, there is no formal bill, and Republican leaders like Mike Johnson prioritize reducing the deficit over these stimuli.
Republicans in Congress are pushing a fiscal package that combines cuts and extensions of tax breaks. Preliminary reports suggest the measures could increase the deficit by $4 trillion over a decade, a figure close to the $4.5 trillion mentioned in some statements.
The DOGE, led by Musk, seeks to cut $2 trillion from federal spending, but the savings reported so far are minimal (16.5 billion). Experts question the feasibility of these cuts without affecting programs like Medicare or Social Security, which have Trump’s protection.
How feasible is it for them to deliver these stimulus payments?
Unverified versions circulate about a reduction in the dividend from 2 trillion to 150 billion. James Fishback, CEO of Azoria, proposed limiting the checks to net-tax-positive households, which would exclude 50% of low-income households, according to the Tax Foundation.
Organizations point out that this measure would favor wealthier groups, including millionaires. The lack of legislative progress and political skepticism reduce the likelihood of implementation, regardless of the amount considered.
Inflation in the US fell from 3% in January to 2.4% in March 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, it remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, with processed foods maintaining high prices.
Agricultural reports link bird flu outbreaks in 2024-2025 with increases in eggs, although the 26% figure for March 2025 is not confirmed. Experts emphasize that these factors affect vulnerable households more.
Fact check: new stimulus checks in 2025?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the US government implemented temporary economic aid to mitigate the impact of the crisis. These programs, like the 2020-2021 stimulus checks, ended when their objective was considered met. Rumors about new payments are currently circulating, but their legal basis and feasibility are questionable.
There is no approved or proposed legislation supporting the distribution of a $1,550 check in May 2025. Rumors point to it benefiting vulnerable groups, such as seniors and low-income families, but neither the IRS nor the SSA have announced official criteria or payment dates.
Any stimulus initiative requires approval from Congress, and there are currently no projects under discussion. Mentions of income limits (e.g., $150,000 for couples) are speculative and not supported by public documents.
Returning to the Department of DOGE dividends, there is no legal framework that allows its implementation. To distribute checks of up to $5,000, $2 trillion in savings would be needed, a figure Musk considers “optimistic.” Even in more realistic scenarios, such as reaching 1 trillion, the amounts would be much smaller (2,500) and would require legislative approval, something unlikely in the short term.
The viability of new payments depends on political consensus, and Republican leaders like Mike Johnson prioritize reducing the deficit, not expanding it through direct aid.
