Mon Apr 07 20:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Musk Dodges Question on $130 Billion in “DOGE” Savings Returning to Taxpayers

**Madison, WI** – Elon Musk sidestepped questions Sunday about when Americans might receive stimulus checks from the purported savings of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting initiative championed by the Trump administration. At a Wisconsin rally, Musk, while acknowledging DOGE’s claimed $130 billion in savings (with a goal of $2 trillion), deferred the decision on distributing these funds to Congress and President Trump.

DOGE, established in January, has implemented mass layoffs and other cost-cutting measures. Previous proposals, including a potential $5,000 stimulus check per taxpayer, have been floated by Trump and others. While Trump previously suggested allocating 20% of the savings to stimulus checks and another 20% to debt reduction, the final decision rests with Congress. Opposition to the plan has already emerged within the Republican party, with Speaker Mike Johnson citing concerns over fiscal responsibility and the existing national debt.

One attendee at the rally pressed Musk for clarity on the timeline for the checks, highlighting the frustration of taxpayers seeing their money wasted. Musk responded that while DOGE has achieved progress, the ultimate decision on stimulus checks rests with Congress and the President. He argued that even without direct stimulus, increased government efficiency translates to economic benefits for citizens.

Experts offer mixed perspectives. Brendan Duke of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggests the “DOGE dividend” would only materialize through Congressional approval of deficit-financed tax cuts. Lance Roberts of RIA Advisors advocates for tax credits as a more effective method of aiding lower-income taxpayers without exacerbating inflation. Alex Beene of the University of Tennessee at Martin expressed concern about the financial burden of stimulus checks on a heavily indebted government. Furthermore, the proposed checks would only benefit net-income taxpayers, excluding low-income Americans, according to NBC News.

Despite some senators reportedly expressing enthusiasm, the bill authorizing the stimulus checks has yet to be presented to Congress. The future of the proposed “DOGE dividend” remains uncertain, contingent upon the actions of both the executive and legislative branches.

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