James Fishback, CEO of Azoria, reiterated his optimism about the possible implementation of a $5,000 dividend check for US taxpayers. In an interview with Chris Cuomo, he said he held meetings at the Capitol with lawmakers and received “overwhelmingly positive support” for the proposal. “I think it will happen,” he declared, citing support from figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
The project seeks to return to citizens part of the savings generated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk. Fishback argues that since 70% of state spending comes from taxes, it is fair to compensate taxpayers when cases of “waste or misuse of funds” are identified. The initiative would not imply a deficit, according to its original design.
What is DOGE doing to give you $5,000 stimulus checks
During a rally in Wisconsin, Musk linked the stimulus check to efficiency in public spending: “If we reduce waste, there will be resources to give back.” Kevin Hassett, former director of the National Economic Council, also backed the measure. Fishback added that the approach avoids sending funds to “cover bills with Beijing,” prioritizing local taxpayers.
Regarding viability, Fishback emphasized that the savings reported by DOGE — $130 billion through March — would allow the dividend to be financed. On social media, Musk responded to the idea: “I will consult with the president.” Trump, for his part, said in February that he would evaluate the plan, although he has offered no recent updates.
The plan contrasts with the COVID checks, which increased the debt. Fishback clarified that this rebate would only benefit “tax-paying property owners,” excluding inflationary mechanisms. However, critics question the viability of reaching $1 trillion in savings, the goal set by DOGE to reduce the deficit.
Although Fishback claims to have “unique information” after his meetings at the Capitol, Congress has not issued specific resolutions. The proposal requires legislative approval, and Trump has not detailed timelines or eligibility criteria. Musk, in his interview with FOX News, highlighted that DOGE’s progress is significant, but admitted that “there is still a lot of work to be done.”
Despite the different assertions and versions, nothing concrete is still known: only that the checks to be sent are for $5,000 for each eligible household. Fishback suggests that payments would be consolidated once the expected savings for DOGE are reached, but it is not clear why that number was reached but the final amount could be different, if something concrete is reached from Congress and the White House.
How will the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) determine which savings will be distributed?
DOGE, led by Elon Musk, is working to identify and eliminate wasteful government spending, with a goal of saving up to $2 trillion per year.
After savings are realized, 20% will go back to taxpayers as a “DOGE dividend” check. Another 20% will be used to reduce the national debt.
The dividend checks would only be sent to households that are net federal income taxpayers, likely those with incomes above $40,000. Lower income households that pay no net federal income tax would not qualify.
Congress would ultimately have to approve any plan to distribute stimulus checks to taxpayers from the DOGE savings. While the idea has some support, concerns about adding to the deficit and inflation have also been raised by Republican lawmakers.
If approved, the proposal would send 5,000 checks to each qualifying household after DOGE expires in July 2026. This amount is based on an estimate of 2 trillion in total DOGE savings.