In theory, Elon Musk's $5,000 DOGE checks could provide Americans with a financial boost — if they actually happen. Here's where they stand now.

In a Cabinet meeting this week, Elon Musk said DOGE expected to cut just $150 billion from the federal budget over the 2026 fiscal year.

Elon Musk appeared to dramatically lower DOGE's savings goal, projecting $150 billion for the year—far short of his earlier trillion-dollar figure. However, questions remain about the savings claimed by the team, with critics pointing to inflated numbers, retracted claims, and a growing list of controversial cuts.