The initial DOGE stimulus check promise was to repay 20% of saved dollars to Americans. But the numbers supporting this proposal have dropped, and the standards have become so strict that most taxpayers are excluded.
Cryptopolitan reported that Elon Musk suggested DOGE may save the federal government $200 billion. Each taxpayer was projected to earn $5,000.
But this ambition was short-lived. DOGE was estimated to save $150 billion in its first fiscal year, Musk told Trump on April 10. Based on the same 20% return rate, this change reduced the taxpayer payout to $375.
The DOGE website now estimates taxpayer savings of $1,000. As of now, the government estimates 161 million taxpayers. Most individuals will not see this money even if it is distributed. Only tax-paying households would receive the cheques.
As most Americans pay little to no federal income tax, those with adjusted gross incomes below $40,000 are excluded. Pew Research verifies this, excluding half the country. According to plan architect James Fishback, this is not a standard stimulus program.
"Many low-income households received transfer payments amounting to 25% to 30% of their annual income," Fishback said. Thus, DOGE checks would only go to net taxpayers, who owe the IRS nothing and contribute more than they get.
Elon Musk said in Wisconsin that Congress and "perhaps the president." distribute the payments. Thus, the plan is uncertain. Even the $1,000 estimate is an estimate, and $5,000 is beyond the table. No laws have been passed.