Trump hints at ‘generous’ second coronavirus stimulus check

President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Sunday, June 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

President Trump signaled Monday that he’s open to a second stimulus check for Americans still reeling financially from the coronavirus pandemic and the related economic lockdown.

What We Know:

  • On Monday, the president suggested he was open to another round of direct payments as the coronavirus crisis continues to wreak havoc on the U.S. economy. COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the nation, and more than 1.5 million Americans filed jobless claims in the past week, U.S. Department of Labor data show.
  • While being interview by Scripps reporter Joe St. George, he asked whether he had plans to give another cash payment to some Americans, Trump said: “Yeah we are. We are.”

  • “We will be doing another stimulus package,” he added. “It’ll be very good, it’ll be very generous.” Trump declined to say how much money Americans could see. “You’ll find out about,” he said. “You’ll find out.”
  • The White House has not officially taken a stance on a second stimulus payment. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, while testifying before the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, suggested the administration is exploring sending another check to some Americans.
  • “I think we’re going to seriously look at whether we want to do more direct money to stimulate the economy,” he said at the time.
  • White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow also floated the idea of another round of cash checks on Tuesday during an interview with FOX Business’ Stuart Varney.

Moreover, some Trump economic advisers, like Art Laffer and Stephen Moore, have questioned the need for additional spending. They have sounded the alarm on what is expected to be the highest deficit in the nation’s history. They’ve instead called for deregulation efforts, including a payroll tax cut.