Lately, social media has been buzzing with discussions about a possible stimulus check from cost-cutting measures at Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The idea gained traction after Azoria Investment Firm CEO James Fishback suggested on X that savings from DOGE should be distributed to taxpayers.
A viral TikTok video even claimed that people could receive as much as $8,000, drawing over 5 million views. But is there any truth to these claims? Here’s what you need to know about DOGE, its cost-cutting measures, and the possibility of stimulus payments.
Key Highlights
- Social media users are calling for stimulus checks funded by cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
- DOGE has made significant cuts to multiple federal agencies, resulting in layoffs and furloughs.
- DOGE head Elon Musk responded to the request on X, saying that he ‘will check with the president.’
Is There a DOGE Stimulus Check?
Despite the widespread discussion, there is no official confirmation that DOGE will issue a stimulus check from its budget cuts. While Musk responded to Fishback’s post on X by saying, “Will check with the President,” there has been no further statement or action confirming such payments.
DOGE has claimed to have saved the government $55 billion, but much of the reported savings come from canceled contracts within federal departments that were already targeted for cuts.
Did People Receive Stimulus Checks in 2025?
Yes, but not through DOGE.
In December 2024, the Biden administration authorized stimulus payments for taxpayers who had not previously claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. These payments were issued in December 2024 and January 2025.
The stimulus checks, distributed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), provided eligible taxpayers with up to $1,400. This payment was meant for those who had missed out on earlier stimulus rounds.
Can You Still Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
Yes, but time is running out.
If you did not file a 2021 tax return and believe you are eligible, you can still claim the stimulus check by filing your return and requesting the Recovery Rebate Credit. The deadline to do this is April 15, 2025.
For those who missed previous payments, this is an important opportunity to receive financial relief. The IRS has provided guidance on how to claim the credit through their official website.
What Has DOGE Cut?
DOGE, a quasi-government agency, has implemented major cost-cutting measures across several federal departments. These cuts have led to thousands of government workers either being fired or placed on administrative leave.
Some of the affected agencies include:
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
- Department of Education
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
The budget cuts have been controversial, with critics arguing that they undermine essential government services. However, supporters claim the savings are necessary to reduce federal spending.
While the idea of a DOGE stimulus check has gone viral, there is no official confirmation that such payments will happen. The $1,400 stimulus check issued in late 2024 was unrelated to DOGE and was instead part of a Recovery Rebate Credit for taxpayers who missed previous payments. If you believe you are eligible, you still have time to claim it by filing your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025. Meanwhile, DOGE continues to make deep budget cuts across various government agencies, raising debates over its impact on public services.
If you’re looking for financial relief, it’s best to check with the IRS or official government sources for accurate information rather than relying on social media speculation.
