A new round of proposals and rumors about potential stimulus payments is stirring confusion among Americans, but no official confirmation of direct checks has been issued as of August 2025.

At a Glance

• No fourth stimulus check has been authorized by Congress
• Trump has proposed a tariff rebate and a $5,000 DOGE dividend
• Senator Hawley’s American Worker Rebate Act remains in committee
• Viral rumors of $1,390 and $2,000 payments have been debunked
• IRS and Treasury confirm no new stimulus checks are approved

Trump’s Proposals: Tariff Rebate and DOGE Dividend

President Donald Trump has floated two high-profile ideas: a tariff rebate and a so-called DOGE dividend. The rebate plan would return funds generated by tariff revenues, which have reportedly reached $113 billion annually under his administration. The DOGE dividend, drawing from savings claimed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), would allocate $5,000 to taxpayers.

Watch now: Trump tariff: rebate checks for Americans · YouTube

The DOGE plan gained traction after early promotion by Elon Musk and later Amy Gleason, who argued that $205 billion in government savings could be returned directly to households. However, critics point out that less than half of these savings have been itemized, raising doubts about both accuracy and feasibility. Without legislative approval, both the rebate and dividend remain proposals rather than actionable programs.

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 bill is designed to provide relief to working Americans impacted by tariff-driven costs. Unlike Trump’s broader rebate and dividend concepts, Hawley’s plan targets households more directly with modest but immediate relief.

Despite its introduction, the legislation remains in committee without a scheduled floor vote. Analysts note that partisan debates over federal debt, fiscal responsibility, and inflation risk have slowed progress. Without bipartisan support, the bill is unlikely to advance quickly, leaving households without near-term relief.

Rumors and Misinformation

Even as these proposals circulate, misinformation continues to spread across social media platforms. Claims of forthcoming $1,390 or $2,000 checks have been widely shared but officially debunked by both the IRS and the Treasury Department. Authorities have clarified that no such payments have been authorized or scheduled.

The persistence of these rumors reflects broader confusion around stimulus discussions and highlights the challenge of navigating a politically charged economic environment. Financial experts emphasize the importance of relying on official government statements rather than viral claims when making decisions related to personal finance.

Sources

Reuters
Associated Press
IRS