Trump, Hawley & Your Money

A new wave of rumors about stimulus checks is confusing Americans, as proposals from President Trump and Senator Hawley face uncertain futures.

Story Highlights

  • No official confirmation of a fourth stimulus check as of August 2025.
  • Trump proposes a tariff rebate and a $5,000 DOGE dividend.
  • Senator Hawley’s American Worker Rebate Act remains in committee.
  • Misinformation about new payments is spreading online.

Trump’s Proposals: Tariff Rebate and DOGE Dividend

President Donald Trump has floated the idea of a tariff rebate and a $5,000 DOGE dividend to American taxpayers. The tariff rebate is intended to utilize increased tariff revenues, which have reached $113 billion annually under Trump’s administration. Meanwhile, the DOGE dividend, based on government efficiency savings identified by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aims to return $5,000 to taxpayers. However, these proposals are still speculative, lacking legislative approval and facing scrutiny over their funding sources.

The DOGE dividend proposal, initially championed by Elon Musk and later by Amy Gleason, claims $205 billion in savings. Critics question the accuracy and transparency of these claimed savings, with only half being itemized. As a result, there is skepticism about the feasibility of such a large payout. Trump’s proposals, though appealing to many, remain concepts without the necessary legislative backing to become a reality.

Senator Hawley’s American Worker Rebate Act

In early August 2025, Senator Josh Hawley introduced the American Worker Rebate Act, which proposes $600 payments per adult and dependent child. The act aims to offer direct relief to working Americans affected by tariffs. Despite its introduction, the bill is still in committee and has not progressed to a vote. Hawley’s initiative reflects a targeted approach to economic relief, contrasting with the broader and more ambitious proposals from Trump.

The act’s current status highlights the challenges in securing swift legislative action for direct payments. The political climate, with ongoing debates over government debt and fiscal responsibility, further complicates the passage of such measures. Without congressional approval, Hawley’s act and Trump’s proposals remain stalled, leaving Americans without immediate financial relief.

Watch: Trump tariff: rebate checks for Americans

Rumors and Misinformation

Amid these proposals, rumors of new stimulus checks continue to swirl online. Viral misinformation about $1,390 and $2,000 payments has been debunked by the IRS and Treasury Department, which have confirmed that no new stimulus checks are authorized. The persistence of these rumors underscores the confusion and misinformation prevalent in the current economic discourse.

The ongoing speculation, fueled by social media and unverified sources, stresses the importance of relying on official communications. As Americans navigate these uncertain times, accurate information from credible sources remains crucial in making informed decisions.

Sources:

Is a $1,390 Stimulus Check Coming August? Here’s What We Know

IRS Stimulus Check Rumor: Fact Check