Tech billionaire and advisor to President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, has suggested that he will “check with the President” regarding a proposed $5,000 Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) dividend for every American taxpayer.
Azoria Investment Fund CEO and DOGE advisor James Fishback floated the idea, calling on Trump and Musk to announce a “DOGE Dividend”—a tax refund check funded by a portion of the savings generated by DOGE.
Legal Battle Over DOGE Access to Federal Payment Systems
The discussion surrounding the proposed dividend comes as a federal judge recently denied a temporary restraining order (TRO) filed by California and 13 other states. The TRO sought to prevent DOGE from accessing federal payment systems.
In response, the White House clarified Musk’s role in the program, stating in a legal filing that he “is not the U.S. DOGE service administrator” and can only advise the president or communicate his directives.
$400 Billion in Savings Could Be Returned to Households
Fishback made his case for the DOGE Dividend in a post on X, arguing that DOGE has reportedly achieved $1 billion in savings per day. He suggested that Trump could work with Congress to allocate 20% of DOGE’s total projected savings—amounting to $400 billion—to taxpayers.
This payout, according to Fishback, would be issued in 2026 as a tax refund check to approximately 79 million U.S. households that are net payers of federal income tax. Fishback claims these payments would serve as compensation for the historical misuse of taxpayer funds uncovered by DOGE.
DOGE Reports $55 Billion in Savings—But Questions Remain
The DOGE website features a “Wall of Receipts” detailing its findings and estimates total savings at $55 billion so far. However, Bloomberg has questioned this figure, reporting that only $16.6 billion in savings is directly accounted for on the site.
FAQs: What is the DOGE Dividend?
The DOGE Dividend is a proposed tax refund check funded by savings generated through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). If approved, each eligible taxpayer could receive $5,000.
Who would qualify for the $5,000 check?
According to Fishback’s proposal, the refund would go to the estimated 79 million U.S. households that are net federal income tax payers in 2025.
Where is the $400 billion coming from?
Fishback proposes using 20% of the projected $2 trillion in savings DOGE is expected to generate by its expiration in July 2026.
Is Elon Musk in charge of DOGE?
No. The White House has stated that Musk is only an advisor and does not have administrative control over DOGE.
When will this payout happen?
If approved, the DOGE Dividend would be distributed in 2026 after the program’s scheduled expiration.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether President Trump and Congress will act on the proposal. For now, Musk’s statement suggests the idea is at least being considered .