Are New Stimulus Checks Really Coming? What You Need to Know

The recent victory of Donald Trump over Kamala Harris in the presidential race has ignited a flurry of social media activity, with many posts suggesting that Americans might soon see another round of stimulus checks as the holiday season looms. These posts, rampant across platforms like X, have painted a picture of imminent financial relief, with promises of checks worth $2,000 or more.

However, the allure of easy money is a mirage. The truth, stark and clear, is that there are no new stimulus checks on the horizon. Neither President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration, nor Trump during his campaign, has made any promises regarding additional financial handouts.

As it stands, Trump hasn’t even appointed a Treasury Secretary, a key role in any financial policy decisions, and he won’t assume the presidency until January 20, 2025. Moreover, the IRS has already dispelled these rumors, stating clearly on their official website: “The IRS has issued all first, second, and third Economic Impact Payments. You can no longer use the Get My Payment application to check your payment status. Most eligible people have already received their Economic Impact Payments.”

The spread of these rumors can be linked to the significant voter concern over economic stability, highlighted by exit polls on November 5, where nearly one-third of voters cited the economy as their primary issue. Trump’s campaign included bold, if not fantastical, promises like eradicating inflation within a mere six days of his presidency.

Reflecting on history, it’s worth noting that during Trump’s first term, stimulus checks were indeed distributed, but not without controversy. In 2020, Trump made headlines by insisting that his name appear on the checks, a decision that delayed their distribution but was aimed at personal branding during a critical election year.

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel has been vocal about the dangers of misinformation on social media, particularly around financial matters. In his April statement, he warned, “Social media is an easy way for scammers and others to try encouraging people to pursue some really bad ideas, including ways to magically increase your tax refund.” He advised seeking tax information from reliable sources like @irsnews or trusted tax professionals, rather than from the often misleading advice found on social media.

These recent claims of forthcoming stimulus checks are just another chapter in the ongoing saga of scams that have capitalized on economic anxieties. Just months ago, another false narrative circulated on Facebook about a $500 “stimulus card” for adults over 25, quickly debunked but not before it spread widely.

In an era where digital information travels faster than truth, it’s crucial for Americans to approach such enticing news with skepticism and verify it through official channels before setting their hopes on financial relief that might not materialize.