Trump Floats Stimulus Checks from Disputed "DOGE" Savings, Amidst Claims of Inflated Figures
Former President Donald Trump has reignited the stimulus check debate, suggesting a plan to distribute payments to Americans using funds purportedly saved by Elon Musk’s "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE). The announcement, made during a tangent at the Saudi-sponsored FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami Beach, has been met with skepticism and scrutiny, particularly in light of recent reports questioning the accuracy of DOGE’s claimed savings.
Trump’s proposal involves allocating 20% of DOGE’s alleged savings to American citizens in the form of stimulus checks, with another 20% dedicated to reducing the national debt. "We’re considering giving 20% of the DOGE savings to American citizens and 20% to paying down the debt," Trump stated, outlining a vision that appeals to both those seeking immediate financial relief and those concerned about fiscal responsibility.
However, the feasibility and legitimacy of this plan hinge on the validity of DOGE’s claimed savings. A report by USA TODAY casts serious doubt on these figures, revealing that DOGE’s website has published misleading information, including a significant $8 billion error. DOGE has publicly asserted that it has saved the government $55 billion, but the evidence presented on the department’s website primarily consists of canceled contracts within agencies targeted by the Trump administration.
A closer examination of DOGE’s "wall of receipts," which documents canceled contracts, grants, and real estate leases, reveals a total of approximately $16.5 billion in savings. This figure is already inflated due to the inclusion of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contract that DOGE initially valued at $8 billion, but was later revealed to be worth only $8 million. Excluding this error and other discrepancies, the itemized savings amount to a mere $8.5 billion, a far cry from the claimed $55 billion.
The idea of stimulus payments funded by DOGE savings originated with James Fishback, the CEO of Azoria investment firm. Fishback publicly lobbied Musk on X, advocating for a stimulus check based on DOGE’s purported cost-cutting measures. This sentiment quickly gained traction on social media platforms like X and TikTok, with one viral video falsely claiming that taxpayers could receive as much as $8,000. The video, viewed over 5 million times, fueled public interest and speculation regarding potential stimulus payments.
Elon Musk, in response to Fishback’s suggestion, stated, "Will check with the President," indicating a willingness to explore the possibility of stimulus checks funded by DOGE. However, there has been no official confirmation or indication that DOGE will actually issue such payments based on its cost-cutting initiatives. Furthermore, any form of stimulus payment issued by the U.S. government would require approval from Congress, adding another layer of complexity to the proposal.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding DOGE’s ability to fund stimulus checks, the concept resonates with many Americans who have faced economic hardship in recent years. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has previously issued stimulus checks to taxpayers who did not claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. This credit was designed for individuals who did not receive previous stimulus payments.
The stimulus, announced in December under the Biden administration, was authorized after IRS data revealed that many eligible taxpayers who filed a 2021 tax return had not claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit. The stimulus payments, issued in December and January, provided eligible individuals with up to $1,400. Taxpayers who did not file a 2021 tax return may still be eligible for the stimulus check if they file their return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by the designated deadline.
DOGE, as a quasi-government agency, has implemented significant cuts across multiple federal agencies, resulting in the termination or administrative leave of thousands of workers. Agencies such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Department of Education, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have already experienced budget reductions and staff reductions. These drastic measures, while potentially contributing to cost savings, have also faced criticism for their impact on essential government services and the livelihoods of affected employees.
The debate surrounding stimulus checks and DOGE’s claimed savings highlights the complex interplay between economic policy, government efficiency, and political messaging. Trump’s proposal, while appealing to those seeking financial relief, raises concerns about the accuracy of information and the potential for misleading claims. The scrutiny surrounding DOGE’s claimed savings underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending.
Ultimately, the fate of stimulus checks funded by DOGE savings remains uncertain. The proposal faces significant hurdles, including the need for congressional approval and the verification of DOGE’s claimed savings. Whether this idea gains traction or fades away, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate over government spending, economic relief, and the role of political promises in shaping public discourse.
